Mental health conditions and psychiatric problems play a crucial role in addiction development and recovery. At Clinic Les Alpes, our specialized psychiatric care addresses the complex relationship between addiction and mental health, providing comprehensive treatment that goes beyond surface symptoms.
Mental ill health and psychiatric problems of one kind or another are often implicated in the onset of addiction. They can also result from an addiction. It frequently emerges that addiction has developed as a result of a person self-medicating an undiagnosed condition, such as depression, severe anxiety, bipolar disorder, or even schizophrenia.
Our experienced healthcare providers recognize that many individuals turn to substances when traditional treatments like lexapro may not provide immediate relief, or when they're unaware that professional help is available. Understanding that medications like lexapro can cause initial side effects before the full effects of lexapro become apparent, patients often seek alternative ways to regulate mood and manage symptoms.
Addiction may be the presenting problem and the immediate reason for admission to our exclusive luxury addiction rehab. However, our experienced medical team, including the expertise of our addiction psychiatrist, will be alert to the possibility of such co-existing behavioral health disorders and offer comprehensive psychiatric care. This approach ensures we look at each patient as a whole person, not just from the perspective of one condition.
The treatment plan takes into account not only the information received prior to arrival but also that of the thorough psychiatric assessment conducted on admission. Our behavioral health specialists understand that patients often arrive in an anxious, demoralized, or possibly defensive state at the hospital.
The psychiatric assessment sensitively explores the person's life history, including that of the family of origin, as well as current circumstances that may be having a harmful impact. Any previous experience with mental health care and psychiatric treatment will be discussed, including experiences with medications known by their generic name escitalopram (lexapro) or other treatments for mood and anxiety disorders.
Our healthcare team discusses the course of the addiction to date and any previous attempts at recovery, with or without the help of treatment. We explore other treatment options that may have been tried, understanding that finding the right treatment often takes time. It's vital to obtain information that helps build a comprehensive picture to inform treatment planning.
For patients who may have tried medications like lexapro, we understand that it can take several weeks for lexapro to start working effectively. Some individuals may stop taking lexapro before experiencing its full effect, leading them to seek alternative ways to manage their mental health conditions.
The treatment plan is iterative rather than fixed. It is continually reviewed and always subject to change as the person progresses through treatment. Our provider team understands that it's not uncommon for a provisional diagnosis to be enhanced or rendered obsolete as the person's profile can change quickly once abstinence from addictive substances or behaviors has been established through detoxification.
A previously identified mental illness may no longer be evident when the person is free from the effects of substances. Conversely, underlying indications of mental ill health may emerge or become more apparent, even florid. This is why our psychiatry team maintains flexibility in treatment approaches, whether through individual therapy, group therapy, or intensive outpatient programs.
Our medical team closely monitors how the body adjusts to the medication and tracks serotonin levels in the brain when psychiatric medications are prescribed. We understand the signs that lexapro is working and can adjust treatment accordingly, always encouraging patients to talk to your doctor about any concerns or side effects they experience.
Psychiatric care includes maintaining a watchful eye over ongoing risks to health and even life. Addiction is a potentially fatal, self-harming condition with relapse during or soon after treatment being a particular danger. It is not uncommon for there to be a risk of suicide, and previous attempts will need to be considered.
Addiction may have brought someone to such a low state that they see fewer options in life. Having become clinically depressed, they may temporarily require appropriate medication to alleviate more severe symptoms. Our inpatient psychiatric services provide 24/7 monitoring when necessary, while our intensive programs offer structured support for those who don't require hospitalization.
Other self-harming behaviors such as cutting parts of their body or those related to disordered eating will be assessed, treated, and monitored. Our behavioral health team works closely with patients and their loved ones to develop coping strategies and improve overall quality of life.
The treatment team remains aware of other conditions that may contribute to addiction. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is now thought to play a part in the onset of addiction in many people. Some individuals with autism have developed addictions through turning to substances to help them manage everyday life, dealing with a sense of not fitting in and sensory hypersensitivity.
Some people with personality disorders may develop addictions as part of their attempt to cope with life's challenges. They may be impulsive, highly anxious, struggle with relationships, and self-harm in ways besides addiction. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may also feature, often linked to trauma earlier in life.
Our therapist team makes careful judgments about each person's current capacity, coherence, and degree of resilience before addressing such damaging experiences head-on. This may involve intensive therapy or specialized trauma treatment programs.
Some addictions directly affect brain function and can do so permanently. Alcohol, for instance, is known to be neurotoxic and kills off brain cells. A consequence of chronic alcohol dependence may be cognitive deficit, whereby the person's ability to think efficiently is reduced, or memory may be impaired.
This is one reason why clinical psychologists work alongside psychiatrists in addiction treatment. Psychological tests may need to be taken to assess the degree and type of damage to the brain, helping our team develop appropriate rehabilitation strategies.
An important feature of our treatment model is the multi-disciplinary treatment and care team. This enables a range of expertise and diverse skills to be combined in delivering comprehensive health services. Our team includes:
The team approach acknowledges that addiction is not exclusively a psychiatric disorder—it affects mind, body, and spirit, with significant social dimensions. Recovery cannot be achieved solely through psychiatric treatment but requires integrated care addressing all aspects of a person's wellbeing.
While the psychiatrist leads psychiatric diagnosis and intervention, including medication prescription for mental health conditions, they work collaboratively with colleagues to shape and develop the overall treatment plan. Our primary care integration ensures that all medical needs are addressed comprehensively.
We offer various levels of care, from inpatient psychiatric services to intensive outpatient programs, allowing patients to receive appropriate care based on their needs. Our outpatient services provide ongoing support while allowing individuals to maintain their daily responsibilities.
Both group therapy and individual therapy play crucial roles in our treatment approach. Group sessions provide peer support and shared experiences, while individual therapy allows for personalized attention to specific issues and trauma. Our intensive programs combine both approaches for maximum therapeutic benefit.
Treatment and recovery planning extends beyond the treatment episode and stay at our luxury addiction treatment center. The information gathered before and during treatment helps our team plan with each patient how their recovery will be sustained long-term through our comprehensive aftercare program.
The psychiatrist provides input into such planning, especially if mental ill health continues with an ongoing need for psychotropic medication. For patients who have responded well to medications like lexapro, we ensure continuity of care and monitor the response to lexapro throughout the recovery process.
Stability is important to recovery, and such medication may be essential for some patients. Our aftercare includes regular consultation with psychiatric providers, ongoing therapy sessions, and connection to community resources. We work with patients' primary care providers to ensure seamless transitions and continued support.
For those starting lexapro or other psychiatric medications during treatment, we provide education about what to expect within the first few weeks, helping patients understand that lexapro treatment often requires patience as the medication builds up in their system.
This comprehensive description of psychiatric care in the context of addiction treatment emphasizes that while "psychiatric" refers to a vital element of the help provided, "care" is of equal importance. The two work hand in hand to provide healing that addresses the whole person.
Our approach recognizes that mental health care is not just about diagnosing and treating symptoms—it's about restoring hope, rebuilding relationships, and helping individuals reclaim their lives. Whether someone needs intensive inpatient care or can benefit from our outpatient programs, we tailor our approach to meet each person's unique needs.
Every aspect of our psychiatric care aims to improve quality of life for our patients and their loved ones. We understand that addiction affects entire families and communities, which is why our care extends beyond the individual to include family therapy, education, and support services.
Ready to begin your journey to recovery? Contact Clinic Les Alpes today to learn more about our comprehensive psychiatric care and behavioral health services.
