Mental illness presents when someone displays mild to severe disturbances in their thoughts or behaviors. These disturbances often result or present themselves as an inability to cope with life’s daily routines and circumstances.

There are more than 200 classified forms of mental illness; the more common types are depression, bipolar disorder, dementia, anxiety, and schizophrenia. All mental health disorders have symptoms that may include changes in moods, personality, habits and social behaviors.

Mental health disorders are often co-occurring disorders that can be present during environmental stresses, trauma, and diseases such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and substance use disorders. Mental illnesses are often physical and not just emotional and psychological. Causes of mental illness may be trauma, genetics, biochemical imbalances or a combination of these.

Treatment for mental health disorders is essential. It’s common at first for someone to be in denial of the symptoms of mental illness due to the stigma associated with it, or because of the fear of addressing the cause of the mental illness. Accepting that these feelings and behaviors are normal in others who may have experienced similar circumstances is an essential first step.

Seeking counseling and therapy is crucial to the long-term success of treating mental health disorders. It is in these settings that one can develop a system of support through a mental health professional and among their family and peers through family and group therapy. The stigma often associated with mental illness is often best served when someone knows they are not alone in fighting their mental battle.

If you or someone you love is displaying a sign of a mental health disorder, talk to someone today and begin a pathway of healing. We can help you or your loved ones on your recovery journey. You can start today on your pathway to a healthier life.

Dull aches, soreness, stiffness, stinging, shooting, burning, throbbing – all of these are symptoms of chronic pain if they continue day after day, come and go frequently and seem to bring along with the fatigue, loss of appetite, insomnia, moodiness, weakness and just an overall lack of energy.

Chronic pain is referred to as pain that lasts for 3 to 6 months or more. Everyone that suffers an injury has pain that is associated with it. The difference is that after a torn muscle or deep cut is healed the pain wears off. With chronic pain, the painful symptoms remain even after the wound is healed.

As the painful symptoms of chronic pain run through the nervous system and continuously signal to the brain, it can have significant effects on your daily life and especially your mental health. However, in the right setting for treating people who suffer from chronic pain, they can begin a path to recovery that will help them move forward successfully.

The daily life for someone who has chronic pain is complicated physically, mentally and emotionally. As their pain keeps them from functioning as they usually would it also takes a toll on their self-esteem and can cause depression, anxiety, frustration, and anger. The physical pain and emotional symptoms can create a cycle that may make someone with chronic pain perceive their condition is worse than it really is and further a co-occurring depressive state of mind. And this link is why doctors may often treat chronic pain with anti-depressants or pain medications. The critical thing to note here is that some pain medications and anti-depressant have addictive side effects and it’s important to ask your physician for nonaddictive medicine to prevent further complications.

If you or someone you love suffers from chronic pain, find the right kind of treatment. The right medication and therapy will help you find the relief you seek.

Have you ever wondered, “What is the difference between addiction and dependence?”

Often groups will be at fault for using the words interchangeably as if they mean the same thing, but they do not, and unfortunately, it only adds to the confusion. These words have two different definitions and require two different types of treatment, but first, we have to define them accurately.

Dependence is best referred to as a physical dependence on a substance. A dependency is characterized with symptoms like tolerance and withdrawal, but it is possible to have a dependence without being addicted; however, one must be careful as addiction could be right around the corner of a dependency.

Addiction is referred to as a behavioral change due to changes in the brain from the continued use of a substance.  The use of the substance becomes the top priority of the person, and they will behave in harmful ways to obtain the substance if in need of it. Addiction has two components, physical and mental dependence on a substance, yet what distinguishes it best is these two components being present with uncontrollable behavior.

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is the best resource for diagnosing addiction. The most recent chart produce by the DSM is the DSM-V, and in it, they eliminated the previous terminology of “substance abuse” when referring to addiction and “substance dependence” when referring to dependence and now use the term “substance use disorder” as an inclusive term for both addiction and dependence. This is an effort to help more people who may be in the earlier stages of addiction.

(To view a copy of the DSM-V chart click here.)

It is essential to be able to know the difference between an addiction and dependence especially in terms of recovery. Also, dependence can be a stepping stone towards addiction and its best to get help as quickly a possible to prevent harmful behavior. If you or someone you love may have an addiction or dependence. Don’t wait, get help today.

If you read our blog post on Thanksgiving weekend, you may have seen the incredible, supportive thoughts our Chief Medical Officers shared on how to navigate the holidays during recovery. It was written for our patients but it wasn’t but a few moments later when the messages came rolling in with family members asking for help in how best to support their loved ones. Below is a blog post from our behavioral health Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Stephen Taylor. He speaks to all who may be wondering how to best support a loved one fighting every day for recovery.

In 1999, the National Institutes on Drug Abuse (NIDA) published a pamphlet entitled, Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide. Revised in December 2012, the Guide lists 13 principles of drug addiction treatment that have been derived from over 40 years of research into what constitutes the successful treatment of people with drug addictions.
That’s right.
Believe it or not, there’s actually an established body of research-derived knowledge that informs us about what works in helping people overcome addictions. I want to write about two young people that I’ve been thinking about a lot – particularly in view of NIDA’s Principles.

The first of these young people was a patient of mine from several years ago, in the recent past. Thinking of him often causes me to think about the second young person, a former patient of mine from many years ago. In some ways, they were very similar to each other. Both were from well-educated, reasonably affluent families. Both grew up in upscale, exclusive communities and went to good schools. Both were genuinely good young people – bright, articulate, endearing.

One of them – my more recent patient – had parents whose “tough love” for him took the form of never giving up on him. They called him on his nonsense. They didn’t let him “get over” on them. They held him accountable. They caught him in his lies and they made sure he had appropriate consequences for his inevitable misdeeds. But they made it clear, both by word and by deed, that they would stop at nothing to help him overcome the terrible addiction disease that had been ruining his life for the last few years. They were with him every step of the way. There was simply no “quit” in them.

The other young person was a patient of mine in the distant past. She had parents who were totally “fed up” with all of the lies, the deceit and the games she played on them. By the time she first came to me, her parents had already been through several rounds of what I like to call “Treatment-Go-Round”: putting her in a treatment facility; then, after having her do well for a period of time, watching her relapse into drug use just a few weeks or months after leaving treatment. Their “tough love” for her took the form of kicking her out of the house, and telling her, “You’re on your own. We’re not going to pay for any more treatment for you. You want to use drugs? Have at it! We’re done with you!” Even when she called them, crying, desperately asking for them to help her get into a treatment program again, their answer was, effectively, “We’ve heard that before. You’re never going to change. Enough is enough!” Then they hung up the phone. Very tough, indeed.

My recent patient? He’s done well, so far. I can’t predict the future, but if I had to guess, I’d say he’s going to make it. It won’t always be smooth; but because his parents emphasized the LOVE in their “tough love” for him, he has a very good chance of making it to long term recovery from addiction. My other former patient? She’s dead. Died of an overdose. It’s still painful to think about her.

That former patient of mine was one of the people who taught me – and my more recent patient was one of the people who reinforced the lesson – that it’s the LOVE in “tough love” that makes the difference. Not that my older patient’s parents didn’t love her. I’m sure they did. Unfortunately, they didn’t know how to love her – with her horribly addicted brain; and her dishonest, manipulative, self-destructive, and no-doubt absolutely maddening behaviors that came along with her addiction. It’s not easy to love someone who is suffering from the disease of addiction. Yet that’s what parents and family members and loved ones have to do – the right way – if you want to have a chance to help your loved one overcome this disease. It makes all the difference in the world.

I didn’t get the chance to start working with my older patient early enough in the course of her disease to try to teach her parents how to love her – in accordance with what I now call my “Tough Love Principle,” that “It’s the LOVE in ‘Tough Love’ that makes the difference.” I wish I had had that chance. The horrible disease of addiction cut short the life of a very sweet young lady.

At this point, it’s reasonable to ask: What does all this have to do with NIDA’s Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment? Principle # 5 reads, in part:

“Recovery from drug addiction is a long-term process and frequently requires multiple episodes of treatment. As with other chronic illnesses, relapses to drug abuse can occur and should signal a need for treatment to be reinstated or adjusted.”

So what does that mean? Here’s the Dr. Steve Translation: It means you NEVER give up.

It means that if your loved one has been in treatment for their addiction 9 times, and has relapsed 9 times, do everything in your power to help her to go into treatment a 10th time! Do it differently, of course. Keep in mind the old saying, “the definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over again and expect a different result.” Don’t be insane. Look at what went wrong during or after previous treatment episodes that might have contributed to a relapse or a poor outcome, and be careful not to make those same mistakes. But by all means, try again! Never give up on your loved one with an addiction illness. The only way to lose the battle against a chronic, relapsing disease like the addiction is to stop trying. And we’re in it to win it. So never stop trying. Never give up! It’s in keeping with Dr. Steve’s “Tough Love” Principle. It’s in keeping with NIDA’s 5th principle of drug addiction treatment. It’s simply the right thing to do. Never give up!

Happy Thanksgiving from Pathway Healthcare!

The holidays are often filled with many highs and lows. And for those who are along the pathway of recovery, the challenges many will require emotional, mental and physical strength. We are thankful for the opportunity we have to provide access to care and help for those whose lives are affected by substance abuse. In this post our Chief Medical Officers share their encouragement and guidance for all in recovery this holiday season. We hope you will experience a wonderful holiday and feel supported as you navigate the events of this time of year.
From Dr. Brent Boyett, Pathway Healthcare, Chief Medical Officer – Medical
The holiday season can amplify feelings of loss, grief, stress, and loneliness in people working to maintain their recovery. When these feelings present, to prevent relapse triggers, it is critical for those in recovery to avoid isolation and keep a regular routine.

Also, though sometimes hard, people in recovery should avoid family and friends who frequently use drugs or alcohol. Many times, family and friends just don’t understand how fragile the recovery process can be and offering drugs or alcohol to a person in early recovery can result in life-threatening relapse. Because the emotional memories are stored in the brain’s hippocampus, even the slightest exposure of a dopamine-releasing drug can cause the motivational reward circuits to create irresistible compulsions instantly. There is no such thing as “just one drink” or “just one joint” for those in recovery.

Finally, it is important to note that even the winter weather that often accompanies the holiday season can result in relapse. Winter weather can trigger emotional stress and depression. The condition is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and can be associated with a reduction in the amount of daylight related to the shorter days of the season. This stress and depression can frequently lead to temptation and relapse. So, people in recovery should get some exercise and sunlight to avoid being SAD and potentially much worse.

Whether it’s isolation, a break from routine, family or friends, or even the weather, people in recovery must learn to identify their triggers and avoid them, even if it is hard. It may save their life.”
The holiday season can amplify feelings of loss, grief, stress, and loneliness in people working to maintain their recovery. When these feelings present, to prevent relapse triggers, it is critical for those in recovery to avoid isolation and keep a regular routine.

Also, though sometimes hard, people in recovery should avoid family and friends who frequently use drugs or alcohol. Many times, family and friends just don’t understand how fragile the recovery process can be and offering drugs or alcohol to a person in early recovery can result in life-threatening relapse. Because the emotional memories are stored in the brain’s hippocampus, even the slightest exposure of a dopamine-releasing drug can cause the motivational reward circuits to create irresistible compulsions instantly. There is no such thing as “just one drink” or “just one joint” for those in recovery.

Finally, it is important to note that even the winter weather that often accompanies the holiday season can result in relapse. Winter weather can trigger emotional stress and depression. The condition is called seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and can be associated with a reduction in the amount of daylight related to the shorter days of the season. This stress and depression can frequently lead to temptation and relapse. So, people in recovery should get some exercise and sunlight to avoid being SAD and potentially much worse.

Whether it’s isolation, a break from routine, family or friends, or even the weather, people in recovery must learn to identify their triggers and avoid them, even if it is hard. It may save their life.”

From Dr. Stephen Taylor, Pathway Healthcare, Chief Medical Officer – Behavioral

Listed below are some time-honored, tried-and-true principles for recovering from an addiction. To be sure, I didn’t make these up. They are the result of many decades of experiences gathered and learned by millions of people who have taken this journey called “recovery.” The wisdom listed below in 7 parts can be used as affirmations or reminders to not give up on your pathway of recovery no matter what season of life you may be experiencing.

#1: Commit to a complete and total transformation for the long haul.

Recovery means a total change in your life, for the rest of your life. Nothing less than that will work. It is a process – a marathon, not a sprint. And like a marathon, it’s a tremendous amount of work. Active work.

#2 Develop a support network of people who know how to do this “recovery thing.”

You need to be immersed in recovery. It is essential that you surround yourself with like-minded people who are going through the same recovery process as you are, and that you seek out guidance from several people who have already achieved long-term stable recovery in their own lives. All supportive family members/significant other and supportive friends are key voices to long-term success.

#3: Avoid people, places and things associated with the drug, food or behavior you are addicted to.

You are kidding yourself if you think that you’re going to recover from alcoholism while going to bars with your same group of drinking buddies, but simply refraining from having any drinks yourself. This may mean that you will have to cut some people loose. It’s that serious. Recovery from addiction is a life-and-death, do-whatever-it-takes imperative.

#4: Take recovery “one day at a time.” This is where it’s helpful to remember the old Chinese saying, “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

Think of it exactly that way. One step. And then another. And then another. Don’t tell yourself, “I have to do this for the rest of my life,” since that can be daunting. Tell yourself, “Today, I’m going to engage fully in my recovery program. I’ll worry about tomorrow when it comes. But right now, I’m only going to focus on today.”

#5: Be careful not to fall victim to “cross addiction.”

Addiction is not a drug-specific disease. It’s not even a “behavior-specific” disease. So this means that when you attempt to recover from addiction, you are seeking a total transformation into a healthier spiritual and lifestyle existence. This must be a comprehensive change.

#6: Don’t neglect the “medical side” of your recovery.

Get in to see your doctor. He or she may, in turn, refer you to a mental health professional. This, of course, would be the gold standard. (You think I might be biased in this regard?) But truth to tell, that’s not the only way a mental health problem can be diagnosed or treated. Sometimes your primary care doctor can diagnose you with one of these conditions and provide you with reasonable treatment for it. Don’t shy away from this. You’ve got to see this as an integral part of your effort to recover. And your attitude towards your recovery must be, “I’ll do whatever it takes to recover!”

#7: Never give up; keep coming back.

Understand that addiction is a chronic, potentially recurrent condition that can be treated and controlled, but not “cured.” Still, if you’re like most people, you WILL have challenges and setbacks along your road to recovery. You may even fall completely “off the wagon,” at times. The key is NEVER to get discouraged. It’s NEVER too late. You can never make too many attempts to try again and get into recovery. Ten times. Fifteen times. Twenty-five times. It doesn’t matter. If you’re still breathing, you can – and you must – come back and try again. It’s too important to give up on this.

If you or someone you love is struggling with mental health, addiction, dependence, substance abuse or chronic pain due to medication Pathway Healthcare teams are here to help! Contact us or view our locations.

What is the best way to treat an opioid crisis that killed more people in 2016 than the Vietnam and Iraq Wars combined? This is the question being asked by regulators, medical providers, and now the general public as it becomes harder by the day to find someone that has been untouched by the disease of addiction and dependency.

On Wednesday, October 25th, 2017 the FDA Commissioner, Scott Gottlieb, told a U.S. House committee that they are looking into ways to widen the use of ‘medication-assisted therapy’ (MAT) alongside counseling to combat addiction to opioids; an approach that still carries a stigma for many who don’t understand the latest evidence as it relates to the treatment of substance use disorders.

At Pathway Healthcare, a core part of our mission is to provide stigma free care. We are utilizing a combination of behavioral counseling and medication assisted therapy (MAT Plus™) to provide our patients a pathway to recovery.

Our MAT Plus™ is a proprietary, evidence based, treatment approach that is designed to treat addiction and dependency in a manner consistent with other chronic diseases. The stigma surrounding medication assisted treatment is counterproductive to giving people the help they need to improve their life function. It is always encouraging to see articles like the one listed below from Bloomberg.com address the need to destigmatize medication assisted treatment and make real steps to address the opioid epidemic.

To learn more please read, FDA Aims to Destigmatize Drugs as Treatment for Opioid Addiction

Addiction. How many times have you heard that word today? It has become a common, household term, primarily related to drug and alcohol use and more often than not, mistakenly considered a moral failure. However, addiction is developed through a convergence of many elements including biology (genetics), environmental factors, and mental health.  So, what causes addictive behaviors? Why are substance use disorders so prevalent? Why are so many people seeking addiction treatment in communities all around the nation?

Any activity, substance, or behavior that has become a major life focus to the detriment of other necessary activities, physical and/or mental health and even relationships is considered an addictive behavior.  The brain has a natural reward mechanism by which it releases mood enhancing hormones and chemicals to reinforce necessary or enjoyable behaviors.  Even eating and exercise activate the brain’s reward mechanism to promote those activities.  However, based on genetic, environmental, and mental health factors, even normal activities like eating and exercise can become compulsive and lead to addictive behaviors.

Some prescription drugs and illicit drugs, artificially activate the brain’s reward mechanism in a very efficient manner; flooding the central nervous system with mood and comfort-enhancing chemicals. This leads to feelings of euphoria, or pleasure, and eventually, can produce dependence. Consequently, substance use disorders and drug dependence have become increasingly prevalent.

Contributing Risks

– Biology

A person’s genetics cannot be discounted when evaluating their addictive behavior.  Those with a family history of addiction have a statistically higher risk of developing similar addictive disorders.

Mental health is another contributing factor. Most patients that suffer from substance dependence or other addictive disorders present with co-occurring mental health complications such as depression, anxiety, or bi-polar disorder. Studies have also shown that ethnicity and sex may contribute to one’s risk.

– Environment

The debate of nature vs. nurture also plays into a person’s individual risk of developing a substance dependency. Socioeconomic status, quality of life and a person’s interactions with family and friends over time can all add into the calculation of how likely a person is to end up with a dependency disorder. If a person is exposed to drugs, drinking, abuse or trauma early in life, they have a much higher risk for developing a substance use disorder that requires treatment.

Additionally, stress is a significant environmental factor in determining one’s risk level for addiction. The presence of persistent, unmanaged stress may lead to addictive behaviors such as the use of drugs or alcohol to cope.

Recipe for Addiction

When you combine the presence of genetic and environmental factors with the introduction of drugs or alcohol, the development of a substance use disorder is very likely. The availability and over prescribing of medications such as opiates and benzodiazepines has completed the list of factors needed for many people that already have elevated risk to develop an addiction. Pathway Healthcare is here to help people overcome the cycle of addiction and develop healthy, effective ways to manage their symptoms.  In Jackson, MS, our doctors and therapists use proven methods of therapy to help patients overcome their addictive behaviors and learn better methods for coping with their stress and mental health. Our substance use disorder facilities treat patients from all walks of life and focus on creating a welcoming environment where patients feel accepted without judgment. If you or your loved one is suffering from drug or alcohol dependence, contact Pathway Healthcare today and find your way to better, healthier living.

Conversations about substance abuse often focus on the physical ailments that come with use, withdrawal, and recovery. People can see the results of drug use and how it affects the form. Depending on the substance, weight loss and gain, scarring, bruising and physical illness can all be evident right in front of someone’s eyes.

By focusing on the physical, it is easy to overlook the psychological effects of substance use disorders. Many times, the psychological impact lacks the striking visuals of someone’s physical health failing right in front of them.

Ongoing substance abuse can affect the brain’s health both short-term and long-term, especially if pre-existing mental health issues are present. In fact, those who have a chemical dependence are almost twice as likely to have anxiety and mood disorders already. Paranoia, hallucinations, depression and other debilitating conditions can develop on top of these illnesses. Often, people suffering from substance use disorders will develop mental health issues that compound with a pre-existing condition, making daily life even more difficult to navigate.

These changes in mental health will produce behaviors that are consistent with substance use disorders.

• Secretive or suspicious behavior
• Changes in their social environment, sometimes distancing themselves from those they were close to while spending time with new, separate groups
• Bouts of hyperactivity, irritability, and anger
• Lowered performance and attendance at work or school
• Decreased motivation and interest in things they once loved
• Suspicious and paranoid thoughts towards close friends and family
• Risk-taking behavior and frequent instances of getting into trouble

These changes affect the patient’s ability to maintain relationships, succeed at work or school, socialize, learn new skills, and contribute positively to society in general.  This isolation can subsequently lead to feelings of shame or defeat and present a barrier to a patient seeking treatment for their drug or alcohol misuse.

It is essential that treatment for substance use disorders includes attention on mental health together with the medical treatment of symptoms. Pathway Healthcare puts an important emphasis on using counseling as a tool in recovery alongside medication. As a substance use disorder treatment center, we provide thorough and well-researched mental health care that analyzes a patient’s mental health and counsels them on how to cope with these issues; teaching them healthy habits for overcoming the psychological damage substance abuse has caused. If you or your loved one is suffering from the mental health effects of drug and/or alcohol abuse and needs help, contact Pathway Healthcare. We can arrange an appointment with one of our many specialists for a consultation. With the help of Pathway Healthcare can make your way towards a healthier, happier life of stability.