The Impact of Alcohol Rehab on Mental Health

Understanding the Impact Of Alcohol Rehab On Mental Health

Mile High Recovery Center offers comprehensive programs that address the impact of alcohol rehab on mental health to lead to recovery and well-being.

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At Mile High Recovery Center (MHRC) in Denver, Colorado, we understand that the journey to recovery is about more than just overcoming addiction. It’s about healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit.
Our integrated approach to addiction and mental health treatment is designed to address both substance use disorders (SUD) and co-occurring mental health conditions. This provides a comprehensive path to lasting recovery.
The Impact of Alcohol Rehab on Mental Health

Underscoring the Need for Recovery Resources

It’s important to note that alcohol addiction, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), is a chronic and progressive disease that can have devastating consequences if left untreated.
Some sobering facts about alcoholism include:
  • Alcohol is the third leading preventable cause of death in the United States1
  • An estimated 95,000 people die from alcohol-related causes annually2
  • Alcohol use disorder affects over 28 million adults in the United States3
  • Alcoholism can lead to a wide range of physical health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, and certain cancers4
  • Alcohol addiction often co-occurs with mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD5
The impact of alcohol rehab on mental health cannot be overstated. When individuals struggle with alcohol addiction, their mental well-being often suffers as well.
By addressing both issues simultaneously, we can help our clients find true healing and build a foundation for a brighter future.

Intertwined Paths: The Impact Of Alcohol Rehab On Mental Health

At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand that alcohol addiction rarely occurs in isolation. Co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis, are incredibly common among individuals struggling with alcohol addiction.
Depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are three of the most prevalent mental health conditions that often go hand-in-hand with substance use disorders.

Depression

Depression is a serious mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities. Individuals with depression may turn to alcohol as a way to numb their emotional pain or escape from their negative thoughts.
However, alcohol is a depressant that can actually worsen symptoms of depression over time. As individuals become more dependent on alcohol to cope, they may find themselves caught in a vicious cycle of addiction and deepening depression.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder, are also frequently co-occurring with alcohol addiction. People with anxiety may use alcohol as a way to self-medicate and alleviate their symptoms of worry, fear, and unease.
While alcohol may provide temporary relief, it can actually increase anxiety levels in the long run. As tolerance builds, individuals may find themselves needing more and more alcohol to achieve the desired calming effect, leading to a dangerous cycle of addiction.

PTSD

PTSD is another mental health condition that commonly co-occurs with alcohol addiction. PTSD can develop after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a serious accident.
Symptoms of PTSD may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and avoidance of triggers related to the trauma. Many individuals with PTSD turn to alcohol as a way to numb their emotional pain and cope with their symptoms.
However, alcohol can actually exacerbate PTSD symptoms and hinder the healing process.

AUD and Co-occurring Mental Health Conditions

The relationship between alcohol addiction and mental health is a complex one. Substance use can exacerbate mental health symptoms, while untreated mental health issues can drive individuals to self-medicate with alcohol.
It’s a vicious cycle that requires a specialized, integrated approach to break free from. At MHRC, we’re here to offer the support you or your loved one needs for sustainable recovery.

A Comprehensive Approach to Dual Diagnosis Treatment

At Mile High Recovery Center, we begin with a comprehensive assessment to identify and address both substance use and mental health concerns.
Our dual diagnosis treatment approach integrates evidence-based therapies for addiction and mental health disorders, ensuring that our clients receive the targeted care they need to heal on all levels.
By addressing the impact of alcohol rehab on mental health, we can help our clients experience a reduction in symptoms such as:
  • Improved mood
  • Decreased anxiety
  • Enhanced overall psychological well-being
In addition to symptom reduction, individuals in alcohol rehab learn and develop essential coping skills to manage stress, triggers, and co-occurring mental health symptoms effectively. These skills lay the groundwork for long-term recovery and mental wellness.

The Impact Of Alcohol Rehab On Mental Health and the Role of Evidence-Based Therapies

Our highly qualified team at Mile High Recovery Center specializes in a range of therapeutic modalities to address mental health concerns. Two of the most effective evidence-based therapies we utilize are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

CBT

CBT is a powerful tool for addressing negative thought patterns, maladaptive behaviors, and co-occurring mental health symptoms. By helping clients identify and challenge distorted thinking patterns, CBT promotes emotional regulation and positive behavior change.

DBT

DBT, contrary to CBT, focuses on four key areas
  1. Emotional regulation
  2. Interpersonal effectiveness
  3. Distress tolerance
  4. Mindfulness
This therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with complex mental health needs, providing them with the skills to navigate intense emotions and build healthier relationships.

The Impact Of Alcohol Rehab On Mental Health and the Use of Holistic Wellness Techniques

At Mile High Recovery Center, we believe in treating the whole person. That’s why we incorporate holistic approaches to mental health alongside traditional therapies.
Mindfulness-based practices, such as meditation and yoga, promote present-moment awareness, emotional regulation, and stress reduction.
Expressive arts therapy is another powerful tool in our holistic arsenal. Through modalities like art therapy, music therapy, and equine therapy, clients can:
  • Express and process difficult emotions
  • Develop self-awareness and insight
  • Build self-esteem and resilience
  • Foster a sense of connection and community
By engaging the creative process, individuals in alcohol rehabilitation can tap into their inner resources and find new ways to cope with mental health challenges.

The Impact Of Alcohol Rehab On Mental Health: Maintaining Mental Wellness Beyond Rehab

At Mile High Recovery Center, we understand that the impact of alcohol rehab on mental health extends far beyond the walls of our treatment center.
Achieving lasting recovery and mental wellness requires ongoing support and a comprehensive plan for maintaining sobriety and stability. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on continuing care planning and relapse prevention.
Before clients leave our program, we work closely with them to develop a personalized plan that addresses their unique needs and goals. This plan may include a variety of components designed to support their ongoing recovery and mental health including:

Outpatient Therapy

Continuing individual therapy sessions with a licensed mental health professional can provide ongoing support, guidance, and accountability.
Outpatient therapy allows clients to process challenges, celebrate successes, and continue developing coping skills in a supportive environment.
Benefits of outpatient therapy include:
  • Maintaining a strong therapeutic relationship
  • Addressing new or recurring mental health symptoms
  • Reinforcing and refining coping strategies learned in rehab
  • Providing a safe space to process emotions and experiences

Support Groups

Participating in support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or SMART Recovery, can provide a sense of community and belonging.
Support groups offer a platform for individuals to share their experiences, struggles, and successes with others who understand the challenges of recovery.
Benefits of support groups include:
  • Reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness
  • Providing a network of peer support and encouragement
  • Offering opportunities for accountability and sponsorship
  • Fostering a sense of purpose and connection

Medication Management

For individuals with co-occurring mental health disorders, ongoing medication management may be necessary to maintain stability and prevent relapse.
Our team works with clients to establish a plan for continuing any necessary medications and collaborating with outpatient providers to ensure a seamless transition of care that acknowledges the impact of alcohol rehab on mental health.
Benefits of medication management include:
  • Alleviating symptoms of mental health disorders
  • Reducing the risk of self-medication with alcohol or other substances
  • Promoting overall emotional and psychological well-being
  •  Enhancing the effectiveness of therapy and other recovery efforts

Ongoing Coping Strategies and Self-Care Practices

Developing and maintaining a repertoire of healthy coping strategies and self-care practices is essential for long-term recovery and mental wellness. Our team equips clients with a variety of tools and techniques to manage stress, regulate emotions, and prioritize self-care.
These may include:
  • Mindfulness and meditation practices
  • Journaling and expressive writing
  • Physical exercise and yoga
  • Creative outlets, such as art or music
  • Healthy sleep hygiene and nutrition habits

Impacts of Coping Strategies and Self-Care Practices

By equipping our clients with a comprehensive continuing care plan and the tools and resources they need to sustain their recovery, we help them build a strong foundation for long-term mental wellness.
Benefits of ongoing coping strategies and self-care practices include:
  •   Reducing the risk of relapse by managing triggers and stressors
  •   Promoting emotional regulation and resilience
  •   Enhancing overall physical and mental health
  •   Fostering a sense of self-compassion and self-worth
Our goal is to empower individuals to take an active role in their ongoing recovery, knowing that they have the support and guidance of our team every step of the way.
The Impact of Alcohol Rehab on Mental Health

The Impact Of Alcohol Rehab On Mental Health: Healing the Wounds of Trauma

At Mile High Recovery Center, we recognize that unresolved trauma often lies at the heart of alcohol addiction and mental health challenges.
Many individuals turn to substance use as a way to cope with the painful emotions and distressing memories associated with traumatic experiences. That’s why we prioritize trauma-informed care and utilize evidence-based therapies to help our clients heal from the wounds of the past.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

One of the most effective treatments for trauma that we offer is EMDR. This innovative therapy helps individuals process traumatic memories in a safe, controlled environment.
During EMDR sessions, clients focus on a traumatic memory while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping.
This process allows the brain to reprocess the traumatic experience, reducing its emotional intensity and helping individuals develop a more adaptive understanding of the event.

Benefits of EMDR

Benefits of EMDR include:
  • Reduction in trauma-related symptoms, such as flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance
  • Increased ability to tolerate and regulate emotions
  • Improved self-esteem and sense of self-efficacy
  • Greater ability to engage in healthy relationships and daily activities

Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET)

Another evidence-based therapy used for treating trauma is PET. This approach involves gradually exposing individuals to trauma-related memories, thoughts, and situations in a safe and controlled manner.
By facing these challenges in a therapeutic setting, clients learn to process and manage their emotional responses, ultimately reducing the power that trauma holds over their lives and highlighting the impact of alcohol rehab on mental health.

Benefits of PET

Benefits of PET include:
  • Decreased avoidance of trauma-related stimuli
  • Reduction in trauma-related symptoms, such as intrusive thoughts and emotional distress
  • Increased ability to engage in activities and relationships that were previously avoided
  • Greater sense of control over one’s life and emotions

Alternative Trauma-Informed Therapies

In addition to EMDR and PET, professionals may incorporate other trauma-informed approaches into comprehensive treatment programs.
These may include:
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): A cognitive-behavioral approach that helps individuals identify and challenge distorted beliefs related to trauma
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): An evidence-based treatment that combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions
  • Somatic Experiencing (SE): A body-oriented approach that helps individuals release trauma-related tension and restore a sense of safety and equilibrium

The Impact of Alcohol Rehab on Mental Health and Trauma Recovery

Through these trauma-focused therapies, professionals help their clients develop healthier coping mechanisms to replace the maladaptive strategies, such as substance use, that they may have relied on in the past.
By learning effective skills for managing distress, regulating emotions, and communicating needs, individuals build resilience and self-efficacy.
They discover that they have the strength and resources within themselves to face challenges and navigate life’s difficulties without turning to alcohol or other unhealthy behaviors.

Your Journey to Wholeness Starts Here

At Mile High Recovery Center, we believe that every individual has the capacity to heal, grow, and thrive. By addressing the impact of alcohol rehab on mental health, we help our clients tap into their inner strength and resilience, empowering them to build a life of lasting recovery and wellness.

Contact Us Today to Begin the Healing Journey

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction and co-occurring mental health concerns, know that you are not alone. Our compassionate team is here to support you every step of the way as you embark on your journey to wholeness.
Take the first step today by reaching out to Mile High Recovery Center. Together, we can help you rediscover your inherent worth, reclaim your mental well-being, and build a future filled with hope, healing, and possibility.

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Reach Out Today to See How Mile High Recovery Center Can Help You Heal

If you or a loved one are ready to regain autonomy over your lives and well-being, recovery starts here. Let us guide you toward sustainable wellness and sobriety through our personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and experiences. We look forward to hearing from you!

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