Anxiety Disorder
Treatment for Anxiety Disorder
At Willow Creek, we take a holistic approach to treating all forms of anxiety. Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorders and yet they often go undiagnosed.
Through our Acute Psychiatric Inpatient Program, patients can receive short-term treatment for the five major types of anxiety disorders:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Panic Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
Anxiety disorders often occur with other anxiety or depressive disorders, as well as other somatic symptom disorders, and personality disorders.
What is Anxiety Disorder?
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 31% of adults in the United States experience an anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. In any given year, it is estimated that around 19% of adults in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder.
Anxiety is a normal human emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. It’s a natural reaction to any number of daily stressors; challenges at work, an important exam, or a big life-changing decision can all trigger a healthy amount of anxiety. However, anxiety disorders are different and cause long-lasting effects that make it difficult for a person to lead a normal life. People who experience anxiety disorders are frequently distressed by constant and overwhelming worry or fear.
Anxiety disorders may stem from a malfunctioning part of the brain where fear and other emotions are regulated. Many studies have indicated that severe or prolonged anxiety can alter the way nerve cells transmit information from one part of the brain to another. Additionally, certain anxiety disorders can change the brain structures that control memories and emotions — making it more difficult to regulate critical systems within the body.
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people of all ages and can be inherited, caused by certain environmental factors, or both.
What are the symptoms of Anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorders can manifest in many different ways. It’s important to understand that some occasional symptoms of anxiety are normal, but prolonged or severe instances of the following anxiety symptoms should be assessed and treated by a mental health professional.
- Excessive worrying
- Imagining the worst-case scenarios in day-to-day activities
- Viewing non-threatening things as threatening
- Difficulty concentrating
- Shortness of breath and racing heartbeat
- Shaking and sweating
- Nausea and stomach issues, including vomiting or diarrhea
These symptoms aren’t exclusive to heroin use, but if your loved one has a history of substance abuse and you suspect heroin use, get them help before it’s too late. Your suspicions are likely correct.
When To Get Help for Anxiety Disorder
While coping strategies for anxiety can be highly effective, sometimes the worry, fear, and anxiety attacks can become too much and disrupt your daily life. When that happens, it’s important to seek professional help. If you are struggling with any type of anxiety disorder, the mental health professionals at Willow Creek Behavioral Health can support you on your journey to a better life.
Treatment Options at Willow Creek
At Willow Creek Behavioral Health, we offer multiple treatment options for individuals with bipolar disorder. For more information on how we can help you get your symptoms under control, call us today. Our trained mental health professionals can provide you with a comprehensive clinical assessment and determine the best type of treatment.
Behavioral Effects of
Heroin Addiction
As the addiction to heroin progresses, a person commonly begins to show behavioral inconsistencies, including:
- Lying / Theft
- Substantial increases in sleeping
- Incoherent speech, rambling
- Lack of pride in personal hygiene and appearance
- Sudden distance from friends and family
- Borrowing money
- Extreme mood swings, manic behavior
- Emotional projection
Withdrawing From Heroin
The high of heroin is described as calm warmth spreading through the body. Users experience temporary feelings of happiness, contentment, and ease of any concerns.
But when the high wears off, the user will experience mild symptoms like irritability, anxiety, sweating, aching muscles, and insomnia. Then, if they don’t use again, they could start showing more severe symptoms like vomiting and intense muscle cramping.
Although withdrawal from heroin is not life-threatening, the effects can happen so quickly that an addict continues to use just to avoid “dopesickness.”
About Heroin Addiction Treatment
Sadly, the number of heroin-related deaths continues to rise. At Willow Creek, we support and believe in every individual’s ability to turn their life around and heal from heroin addiction. The first step is admitting you have a problem. Then, Willow Creek can help you start on the path to recovery.
We’ll walk with you through the difficult withdrawal process. We’ll prepare you for all that comes next in your ongoing recovery.
Your journey to sobriety can start today. Give us a call and save your life.
Health Risks From Heroin Use
There are many health risks associated with heroin abuse. Short-term risks include fatal overdose. Here are other potential risks:
- HIV/AIDS (intravenous use)
- Hepatitis C (intravenous use)
- Collapsed veins (intravenous use)
- Infection of the heart lining and valves
- Abscesses
- Cellulitis
- Liver Disease
- Pulmonary complications, including pneumonia
Some are from long-term use, but it only takes one dirty needle to contract HIV or Hepatitis C.
