People who have a traumatic brain injury have been dealing with substance abuse problems before their injury. Therefore, it is not surprising that a huge number of people who had a traumatic brain injury also have a substance abuse problem. According to the American Psychiatric Association, trauma is said to be an emotional response to a horrible incident like accident, rape, or natural disaster.
Traumatic experiences can make daily activities challenging for many victims. Prolonged conditions from trauma may lead to many psychological issues like:
- Unpredictable emotions
- Denial mode
- Remembering the episodes
- Stressful relationships
Physical symptoms may include stomach issues and headaches.
There is strong evidence about the adverse effects of drug use and alcohol after traumatic brain injury. People who use alcohol and other drugs after a brain injury have difficulties in recovering and are likely to have another brain injury.
Therapy for substance abuse and trauma
Cognitive and emotional damages caused due to brain injuries need special attention and therapy programs in a rehab facility. Arrow Passage Recovery in Massillon, Ohio is a unique rehab center that offers dual diagnosis treatment models with personalized treatment for a successful recovery from any traumatic brain injury or substance abuse.
They have an experienced well-trained clinical team who identify the proper level of care for every patient:
- Residential Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Outpatient Program (OP)
The patient moves through different levels and phases with:
- Integrative Therapy Model during the residential and PHP
- Matrix Model during the IOP and OP
Their therapists use a strength-based therapy including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Solution-Based Therapy
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
How does the therapy work?
The current treatment and therapies are adapted to accommodate the disability of the person arising due to traumatic brain injury. The therapists follow a model treatment procedure with persons who have limitations in cognitive abilities.
- Clients are given homework and assignments to project their ideas and promote insight on concepts and group ideas.
- Every day there is a topic that is based on recovery with discussions between clients and therapists to discuss
o coping strategies
o triggers
o preventing relapses
o using the support systems.
- The therapists provide direct feedback regarding any kind of inappropriate behavior.
Unique learning style
Clients are determined by their unique communication and learning styles.
- They are asked how well they can read and write.
- They are evaluated on whether they can follow and understand both spoken and written language.
- If a person with traumatic brain injury is not able to speak properly and needs alternate ways of communication like writing or gestures.
- Observing the concentration span of the person if there are changes in the attention pattern while in busy and quiet environments
- Observing the person’s capacity for learning new things, determining the strengths and weaknesses.
The treatment plan is designed according to the needs of an individual that are based on factors like past traumatic incidents, cravings and triggers, and the phases of change. Each person moves through levels so that they can impart the learned knowledge to their fellow clients.