Addiction Overview

An addiction develops gradually, so the symptoms may be easy to overlook at first. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, text revision (DSM-5-TR) describes a variety of symptoms that could indicate that someone is struggling with an addiction, including:

• Using a substance in larger amounts or for longer periods of time than intended
• Wanting to cut back or stop but finding it difficult to do so
• Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or feeling the effects of a substance
• Having strong, often overpowering cravings
• Failing to keep up with responsibilities at work, school, or home
• Continuing to use despite recognizing that it is having negative consequences
• Needing more of a substance to feel the same effects
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when use stops or lessens

A person does not need to experience all these symptoms to have an addiction. But if they are showing any of these signs, it is important that they get help as quickly as possible.

When someone is struggling with an addiction and does not get treatment, their substance use is likely going to continue to worsen, causing increasingly severe consequences.

Untreated addiction has the potential to lead to the following:

• Symptoms become more frequent and severe
• Isolation from friends and family
• No longer taking part in activities that were once enjoyed
• Difficulty taking care of responsibilities
• Physical health declines, including things like liver damage, high blood pressure and other heart problems, digestive issues, a weakened immune system, and sleep disturbances
• Higher risk for suffering from dangerous symptoms of withdrawal
• Heightened risk for overdose
• Worsening of existing or onset of new symptoms of co-occurring mental health disorders

Because addiction and mental health disorders so often affect each other, treating both conditions at the same time is a crucial aspect of effective care.

Located in historic St. Augustine, Florida, Coastal Pines Behavioral Health is a 144-bed hospital that provides co-occurring addiction treatment for people who are struggling with mental health concerns. Our team addresses substance use and mental health symptoms together rather than separately, which helps ensure that our patients have a truly comprehensive treatment experience.

Our inpatient co-occurring addiction treatment center is designed for individuals who are experiencing severe symptoms and need close support and monitoring to stabilize. The typical length of stay at our Florida hospital is seven to 10 days, as our goal is to help our patients reach stability and find ways to manage their symptoms before stepping down to a lower level of care.

Throughout a person’s stay at our inpatient co-occurring addiction treatment center, they receive round-the-clock support from a team that includes psychiatrists, psychologists, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, behavioral health technicians, social workers, and counselors. This team crafts an individualized treatment plan for each patient, which may include the following:

• Basic medical care: Our nurses and physicians are able to care for basic physical health needs when they arise; however, we are not able to treat complex medical conditions. Our team evaluates patients to ensure that they are safe and able to receive the type of care they need.
• Medication management services: Not every patient takes medication, but for those who have it included as part of their overall co-occurring addiction treatment plan, they have the opportunity to meet with a psychiatrist multiple times each week. Nursing staff assists with administering the medication and monitoring its effects.
• Family therapy: Family can play a crucial role in a person’s therapeutic process. When a patient and their clinical team determine that it is clinically appropriate, they may engage in family therapy sessions, where family members can learn about addiction, find ways to best help their loved one, and strengthen communication among the family unit.
• Group therapy: The main method of care we use at our St. Augustine hospital is group therapy. These sessions are led by qualified professionals and take place multiple times every day. While in group therapy sessions, patients have an opportunity to connect with peers and participate in conversations about topics such as self-esteem, coping skills, healthy boundaries, and trauma.

We use multiple types of therapeutic interventions, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• Motivational interviewing
• Principles of the 12-Step model of recovery

Inpatient treatment is the most intensive level of care, and it offers important advantages for individuals who are working toward healing from mental health concerns and recovery from addictions.

The first is safety. With round-the-clock medical and nursing support, patients have professional help available at every hour, which matters a great deal in the early days of treatment when symptoms and cravings can be at their strongest.

Being in inpatient treatment also means not having day-to-day access to substances and the triggers that can make recovery difficult. With structured days centered on therapy, medical support, and rest, patients are able to give their full attention to the treatment process.

Additionally, inpatient treatment lays the groundwork for what comes next. Stabilization, a clearer understanding of their diagnosis, and a discharge plan that is tailored to their needs give patients a foundation to build on as they step down from inpatient treatment to ongoing care. For many people, this combination of safety, focus, and integrated treatment makes an inpatient hospital the right place to begin.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with a mental health concern and co-occurring addiction, our team is here to help you take the first steps toward recovery. Contact us today to learn more about our inpatient treatment center and the services we provide, and to get answers to any questions you may have.