Archive for the ‘Addiction Diagnosis’ Category

The process of undergoing addiction diagnosis to someone who is addicted to a substance, whether drug or alcohol, is an intimidating experience, but it is the initial step that can spell positive changes in someone’s life.

The addiction diagnosis is often initiated by a family member by seeking professional advice from a family doctor regarding a family member’s behavior that hinge on addiction. The family doctor may ask the person concerned the frequency of substance use, or whether they feel that there might be a problem, or whether their drug use is very conspicuous to other members of the family. A referral to a specialized addiction treatment program or a professional who specializes in addictions will be done to get a full assessment and an addiction diagnosis to be carried out if appropriate.

Who will conduct the addiction diagnosis?

There are many health care professionals who are specially trained to addiction diagnosis such as addiction counselors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, specialized doctors, and therapists. When these health care professionals conduct addiction diagnosis they are often called clinicians.

Addiction diagnosis is often done by a concerted effort of more than one health care professional. There may be instances that an addict will be interviewed by a counselor followed by a doctor. People seeking professional help should view this as an advantage since they will have two opinions instead of just one from professionals who are capable of helping in their recovery.

It is worth mentioning too that health care professionals dealing with addiction diagnosis are trained to treat their clients with courtesy, respect, and can be trusted to keep all information shared with them with confidentiality.

What are the methods used in addiction diagnosis?

Clinicians usually employ a combination of objective criteria and clinical judgment as basis for the addiction diagnosis. The objective criteria are based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorder (DSM) released by the American Psychiatric Association.

The diagnostic information may be gathered by using several of the following:

•    Standardized assessment tools and other questionnaires that the client will be asked to fill out.

•    Face-to-face interview between the clinician and the client using open-ended questions, which runs like a casual conversation aimed at taking historical data of the client.

•    Face-to-face interview between the clinician and client using structured questions which resemble like completing a questionnaire.

•    The objective criteria based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual or Mental Disorders

•    Three or more of the following criteria must be met by the client occurring in a period of twelve months in order to be diagnosed with substance addiction or dependence:

•    Developing tolerance for the substance, whether drug or alcohol, has less and less effect and the person addicted to it needs more to be satisfied.

•    Experiencing physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms or the person is taking the substance to avoid the withdrawal symptoms.

•    Taking larger amounts of the substance over a longer period of time than it was intended.

•    Trying to cut down or quit using the substance.

•    Spending a good deal of time to get the substance, use the substance, or recover from the effects of the substance.

•    Giving up or cutting back on important social, occupational or recreational activities because of the use of the substance.

•    Using of the substance despite the physical or psychological problems inflicted on the user.

The addiction diagnosis will also gather information if the client is suffering from another condition such as depression, anxiety disorder or personality disorder. The co-existing conditions can and should be treated at the same time with the addictive condition.

How to get an accurate addiction diagnosis?

Having done the first step of admitting the problem, the client should follow these advises to be able to get an accurate diagnosis:

Be truthful and don’t withhold information from the clinician

Express your concerns and let the clinician know of any concerns you may have regarding the diagnostic process

Request assistance should you have difficulties in filling out questionnaires don’t hesitate to ask for help

Accept your own feelings and let the clinician know if you feel upset as you relate your emotions during the interview

Cooperate with the staff and be willing to go through with the process by showing patience and cooperation

The information gathered and the addiction diagnosis will form the basis in getting the treatment plan suited to any client.

The Big Island Recovery Program at the Hawaii Island Recovery will do just that and make a recovery treatment plan that will cater to every client’s needs.

Providing the support for recovery for you or for your loved ones is the ultimate goal of Hawaii Island Recovery in conceptualizing their community based treatment program.

Just call 866-906-6911 to learn more of our amazing recovery plan that will definitely give you a start for positive changes in you life.

The main thing about addiction diagnosis is that you can’t assume you know what you are talking about.

The main thing about addiction diagnosis is that you can’t assume you know what you are talking about. This is because there are many more elements to it than a wild few days spent away from family. Drug addiction is dangerous, and that’s a fact. There are so many people that get affected with an addict in the family. It’s not joke either, people get hurt because of the selfish actions of one person. This is because people are most likely feel pain more and more each day living with the burdens of those that don’t feel them. It goes beyond the emotional. There are so many factors that fall into the laps of the loved ones. Even though it’s more emotionally draining to deal with an addict, it’s also draining is other aspects. This is why an addiction diagnosis also goes beyond just the medical.

As a person who has a drug addiction problem, or even just a loved making an effort to change, there are some consequences that come questions that you might want to ask. These questions and consequences will inevitably lead you to finding something akin to Hawaii Island recovery’s addiction treatment center’s style. But before we discuss the addiction treatment center options, you’ll have to learn about the consequences. You have to ask yourself the right questions, and once you finally know what to do, action is all that is left.

Now you may be wondering about the random mentioning of Hawaii Island Recovery’s big island treatment program. Well, in your search to learn about the diagnosis of addiction, you have to know the many options available to help. There are many types substance abuse addiction, but the thing here is that you have to find the center that has an extensive batch of addiction treatment and addiction recovery plans. That way each base is covered and ensured. But for now, you need to learn to answer your questions. Before you start looking for addiction ecovery, you have to look for the right inspiration.

In great addiction treatment programs, they tell you about their programs to aid you in finding that inspiration. What matters here is that their programs will line up with what you need them to do. However, for an addict, there is no longer an easy path to be taken. Breaking the habit is never easy; this is why you might want to ask yourself a few questions before admitting yourself into an addiction program like the one offered at Hawaii Island Recovery.

Questions that need to be asked to find out if you’re an addict

How many times a day?

One important question to ask about your own addiction is if you are consuming more than what you actually need in a day. This is a common occurrence for prescription pills and other drugs that need a doctor’s signature. However, another substance that is often over abused is alcohol. Once you find that you are going past the prescribed number of pills a day, or you start sneaking drinks at work, then you might be an addict. It goes beyond any explanation. There is no excuse that you can share that makes it any better. The seclusion that is offered at Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Treatment Program, gives you time to contemplate. However, when you’re stuck in a busy place, it only amplifies the problems.

The consequence

Consequences involving you and too much usage usually involve you finances. As well as that, it also involves your reliance on a certain substance as well. You soon find yourself seeking out more and more sources to coax that substance out of. You empty your wallet, soon enough, your ATM account and so on until each paycheck is not enough to maintain you anymore. Once that happens, you’ll find that you can’t even function without at least one hit in your system everyday. This is actually a major sign in addiction diagnosis which doctors and counselors always try to find.

Has someone finally showed their concern?

Now on one side of this question, you may be the one asking the questions towards a loved one. However, if this does apply to you and someone is expressing concern then maybe it’s time you think about what you’re doing with your life. It’s never easy to think about what mistakes you ever did. And the actions you’re taking right now, well, they have some heavy personal consequences. As well as that, you’ll find that even your family will be in trouble. This is the key that most addiction treatment centers will tell you about. Hawaii Island Recovery’s treatment center program uses this to help them as well.

The consequences

The consequences are heavier on the family when it comes to this question. They feel the full impact of the pain. This is why you might want to seek out something like Hawaii Island Recovery’s Big Island Treatment center. This is because you’d need to separate both family and the client so that each party has breathing room. Usually, it starts in the finances of the family. You start skimming a little extra. Soon enough, you’ll start contemplating theft just to keep feeding your addiction.

Now the reason why Hawaii Island recovery’s Big Island Treatment plan was mentioned so many times is that they offer you that out. They are located in gorgeous Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, so it seems like a vacation. It’s a beautiful place to recover but it is NOT a vacation. Hawaii Island Recovery is isolated, has unique programs, and continues to help you through your problems even when you’re finally over them. On top of that, their professionals are proud to help those in need, while keeping a discrete hand in things. No embarrassment, and outside suffering. You can find out more through the net, and maybe you’ll find why it’ll work for you or your loved one.

Their unique setting and ideas allow you to have a personal recovery that saves you from your own self destruction. So make sure you get a proper addiction diagnosis from the experts at Hawaii Island Recovery located on the Big Island of Hawaii. If you are suffering from addiction call now 866-906-6911.