Nowadays, there’s more to think about than outpatient vs inpatient and in-state vs out-of-state treatment. There are centers for people suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction who also have co-occurring issues and, really, almost anything within reason you can think of. You can be in the mountains, in the desert, by the beach, close to home, or as far away from home as possible. With our nation’s need for drug recovery programs, addiction treatment programs come in all shapes, forms, and sizes. No matter what specifications you require or prefer, there is a program that fits your needs. Some people prefer gender-specific treatment programs. Others, however, see this as unrealistic and prefer treatment programs that are based on content and not gender. Co-ed drug rehab is a place that treats addiction in men, women, and other gender identities. Someone of the opposite gender may have a story similar to yours, which could provide valuable support and insight. Co-ed rehabs include some of the top-ranked and most successful programs available in the United States. Many programs may separate living facilities by gender, however, promote a coed environment during the day and in groups. Others may separate by gender in almost every aspect, however, do accept all genders and sexual identity, which may be together for assembly, one group, or no activities at all. Let’s discuss the advantages of co-ed addiction treatment programs. 

What Is a Co Ed Rehab?

The hallmark of most rehabs is talk therapy, where you work with an addiction specialist individual and in group settings. With co-ed rehab, those group sessions would have men and women and for the individual counseling, you may be paired with a therapist of the opposite sex. In the case of gender-specific men’s or women’s programs, you’d only have touchpoints with those of your gender.

Broad and substantive research by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) found that “a large proportion of men and women do well in mixed-gender treatment settings, and for these people, such settings will likely be more cost-effective than providing gender-specific treatment. However, some individuals or subgroups (female and male) may benefit in important ways from gender-specific treatment. Adequate assessment and appropriate treatment—whether in gender-sensitive mixed-gender programs or gender-specific programs—are critical to improving clinical outcomes for many people who currently are not well served”.

To put it differently, doing the proper soul-searching and deciding what’s best for yourself will ultimately yield the best outcomes.

What Are The Benefits of Co Ed Drug Rehab Treatment?

While a person may be tempted to attend a gender-treatment program, there is a lot of benefit to looking into co-ed drug and alcohol rehabs. There are certain experiences and points of view you may not be able to get during gender-specific treatment. It’s important to understand some of the benefits of getting treatment with both men and women, together. Let’s take a closer look at co-ed drug rehab.

Co Ed Treatment Helps Improving Social Skills Between Different Genders

What is AddictionIn the real world and many social situations, there is usually a mix of men, women, and other gender identities? Understanding and knowing how to conduct yourself in a mixed-gender setting can prepare you for the ‘real world’. Becoming comfortable addressing one’s own addiction in front of both genders can be very beneficial for a person’s social skills. This can be practiced for home and work life when the time comes. When someone is recovering from addiction, communication is a key aspect of maintaining and building relationships, especially after treatment has ended. When the time comes, a person will have to speak with their loved ones, husbands, wives, children, and friends about their situation. Co-ed drug rehab centers can be a great way to refine a person’s social skills.

Real-World View Discussions at Co-Ed Treatment Centers

One of the benefits of co-ed treatment is the presence of real-world views from all genders. Every day, we interact with each other and deal with similar problems. With this in mind, co-ed treatment centers allow both genders to bring their own experiences and opinions to the table. Additionally, as a person eventually attends support groups like AA (Alcoholics anonymous) after treatment, they will be prepared for a co-ed environment. It is also therapeutic and beneficial to know that both genders experience the same problems and feelings towards addiction. A co-ed environment can bring unique discussions that are more accurate to real-world conversations.

Private But Inclusive Treatment at Co Ed Treatment Centers

As one of many co-ed drug rehab centers in the California area, we provide an inclusive yet private environment for both genders. While both men and women will attend sessions and get treatment together, both men and women have separate and private living quarters. This creates a safe and inclusive environment for both genders so everyone can focus on their addiction recovery. Some people may be wary about attending treatment sessions and having facilities open to both men and women. However, there are many benefits to this environment and there are parts of the experience that can not be not only educational but useful in the long run as well.

Broader View of Issues for Different Genders at Co-Ed Treatment centers

It comes as no surprise that men and women tend to experience addiction differently. There are specific aspects of drug addiction that may affect one gender and not the other. Co-ed addiction treatment allows both sides to hear the experiences and stories of the other gender. This can be eye-opening and can help a person realize that they are not alone in their struggles. Also, it can be helpful to see that, while there may be differences, both men and women experience some of the same struggles and feelings. Addiction impacts many people, regardless of age, gender, or background. Knowing that a person is not alone is one of the many benefits that co-ed rehab centers can offer.

Addiction Treatment at CNV Co-ed Rehab in Los Angeles, California

CNV Co-ed Rehab in Los Angeles, California provides quality service for men, women, and other gender identities. With decades of experience between our team and a safe environment to call your own, you are in good hands. Don’t wait for your addiction to get worse, and contact us today to start your journey towards recovery. We work 24/7, accept most major insurances, and are able to accommodate our patients with same-day admissions.

During your stay at our co-ed drug residential rehab, you will be supported and guided by our incredible staff. Addiction treatment differs from case to case and there are several options available to those dealing with drug use. Some of the most common options for treatment include the following:

• Detoxification: The process of ridding a person’s body of toxic substances (while relieving common withdrawal symptoms)
• Individualized therapy: Behavioral therapies focused on the individual and their personal journey
• Group Therapy: Therapy focused in a group setting (or in a family setting)
• Residential/Inpatient treatment: A person stays at a rehab center for a period of time with 24/7 support and guidance
• Outpatient Treatment: A person attends weekly sessions instead of staying at a rehab center
• Intensive outpatient treatment: Similar to outpatient treatment but a more intense schedule (longer and more frequent sessions throughout the week)
• Medication-assisted treatment: Medication is provided to ease some of the withdrawal symptoms of addiction/mental health cases in tangent with therapy sessions.

More than 100,000 Americans have died of drug overdoses over a year-long period during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is the highest yearly death toll from drugs ever recorded in the US. The number of overdose deaths rose 30 percent, the data, from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics, is considered provisional but is a good indication of what the final numbers will show next month. Drug overdose deaths in the United States surpassed 100,000 in a 12-month period for the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported, a troubling milestone amid an already devastating period for the country. Experts believe that overdoses likely spiked because of the psychological toll of the pandemic and more synthetic opioids like fentanyl in the supply. Overdoses rose in all but four of 50 US states.

Synthetic Opioids Including Fentanyl Helped Drive Record-High Overdose Deaths in 2020

Recently released data by the CDC show that drug overdose deaths reached a record high of 93,331 in 2020. While these estimates are not final, this is more than 20,000 deaths above the previous high in 2019 and the largest single-year percentage increase on record since 1999. Since 2015 the percentage of all U.S. deaths attributed to overdoses has grown from 1.9 percent to 2.8 percent, even as COVID-19 increased total deaths by more than 300,000 in 2020.

Deaths related to synthetic opioids played a large role in these explosive increases. Prepandemic research documented the rapid and deadly growth of fentanyl within the drug supply, including in combination with drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine. Researchers have pointed to elevated drug use and higher-risk usage — such as cutting or mixing drugs from an unreliable supply and using in isolation — as potential factors in the pandemic’s deadly surge.

The new CDC data show that deaths at least partially attributable to synthetic opioids likely increased by around 20,000 (54%) in 2020, while deaths involving cocaine (21%) and other psychostimulants like methamphetamine (46%) also rose dramatically. In 2015, synthetic opioids were involved in only 18 percent of all overdose deaths; in 2020, it appears to be more than 60 percent.

We also used the CDC’s provisional data to estimate monthly overdose deaths throughout 2020. While overdose deaths trended down after reaching record highs in May, monthly deaths likely remained elevated above 7,000 through the end of the year. Before 2020, U.S. monthly overdose deaths had never been higher than 6,300.

All Regions and Communities Affected by Spike in Overdose Deaths

The explosion of overdose deaths during COVID-19 has left no region or community within the country untouched.

Addiction is often diagnosed in combination with several other psychological illnesses, which are examined during addiction counseling. One of the most common is depression. However, there are different types of depression, like high functioning depression, that are a bit more tricky to detect. 

High functioning depression is known for having similar characteristics as traditional depression, but with lessened severity. This makes it more likely to go undiagnosed, internally experiencing symptoms while externally hiding their suffering. When high functioning depression sufferers do express their symptoms, it comes across as only moderate emotions of sadness and hopelessness. 

A notable characteristic, however, is that this version of depression tends to be long-lasting. High-functioning depression, although considered less severe, is much more long-term and can be equally dampening. The symptoms like low self-esteem, fatigue, and hopelessness, contribute toward worsening addiction and can be much more difficult to treat. 

Understanding High-Functioning Depression

Unlike traditional depression, high functioning depression increases the pressure to uphold the emotional well-being of those who suffer. The feelings of inadequacy and despair are still observable, but being less intrusive prompts subtle changes in behavior. Minor changes in behavior may be observed and are opposed to obvious psychological turmoil. Such outward distress that’s observed with a traditional diagnosis of depression, is not as recognizable as in high functioning depression.

While “high functioning” depression is an appropriate descriptive term, the proper terminology for the illness is persistent depressive disorder (PDD). Furthermore, according to the DSM-5, another term for PDD is Dysthymia. While high functioning depression comes with different challenges, like an addiction it can be managed with professional care. Alternatively, if left untreated it will persist over time and could impact the severity of addiction, calling for immediate intervention. 

High-Functioning Depression Is Very Common

Despite being less noticeable initially, high functioning depression is often noted in combination with substance abuse. High-prompts functioning depression, being reasonably more common, tends to slip past a confirmed diagnosis more than it should. Because this type of depression is constant, instead of cyclical, it is clinically difficult to identify. 

Treatment centers that specialize in addiction place extreme importance on mental health, and are equipped with sufficient resources to diagnose. Specifically, by understanding high functioning depression symptoms and being aware of those that are more likely to be affected. For example, over 14.5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with a form of depression each year. Of those, 3 million are said to be suffering from high functioning depression. 

To narrow it down even further, high functioning depression is twice as likely to affect women over men. While this does not suggest that males are specifically immune, it does indicate gender distinction. Coupled with the number of women addicted to substances, and being able to conceal dependency, effective evaluation is categorically necessary. 

High-Functioning Depression Symptoms

The tricky part about accurately identifying high functioning depression is becoming aware of someone trying too hard to behave “okay.” Granted, no one has it all together all of the time, because that would be unreasonable. But people with high functioning depression are constantly fighting one battle with the other. Not only are they suffering from a constant state of depression, but also need to cautiously fake feeling emotionally well. Understanding what depression feels like is a major turning point, but the routine of hiding behind addiction prevents effective treatment.

However, because high functioning depression is still depression, it is not asymptomatic. Some recognizable high functioning depression symptoms include:

• Losing interest in previously enjoyable activities
• Feeling empty or down
• Hopelessness, worthless or sadness
• Putting too much pressure on themselves
• Having unreasonably high standards
• Frequent loss of energy or exhaustion
• Low self-esteem or self-critical attitude
• The decline in productivity or performance
• Avoiding people or places
• Irritability, agitation, or irrational emotions
• Eating disorders or irregular eating habits
• Trouble concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping

Although high-functioning depression is often concealed from others, frequently making excuses to not have the time is a red flag. The constant upkeep to hide PDD is responsible for the most predominant symptom, which is frequent emotional exhaustion. 

Because of that, it can be up to the individual to come forward about their depression and needing help. Unfortunately, many individuals first come forward needing addiction treatment, before addressing the underlying illness that triggered substance abuse. 

High-Functioning Depression And Co-Occurring Illnesses

High functioning depression isn’t only suspected along with chronic cases of addiction. It has been known to accompany the diagnosis of anxiety and bipolar disorder, making dual diagnosis treatment even more detrimental. When more than one illness prevents adequate treatment for the other, dual-diagnosis treatment is a rehab option. 

Although a substance use disorder can co-occur with many different psychological illnesses, depression is often at the forefront. Around half of those that suffer from addiction are diagnosed with a chronic psychological condition, such as high functioning depression. Alternatively, substance abuse as a means to self-medicate is unfortunately abundantly common. Self-medication is common in many co-occurring illnesses, such as anxiety, or impulse control disorders. 

Considering how long-term high-functioning depression is, developing an addiction within a significant time is often observed. Identifying a dual diagnosis in cases where individuals have high functioning depression can make or break addiction treatment. This is why professional rehab is the best option for addiction and ongoing psychological support. 

Living With High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression can be just as much behavioral as it is emotional. By breaking the cycle of negative, depressing, and addictive triggers, including their responses, beneficial conduct can fill the place. This practice is known as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and is an essential therapeutic program incorporated into addiction therapy.

Once an individual is in the routine of concealing their long-term high-functioning depression, these behaviors become nothing but coping mechanisms. Although these individuals may seem happy, prepared, intelligent, and successful, inside they are struggling with a persistent sense of sadness. 

The internal negativity slowly eats away at their ability to function and increases the need to hide their depression. This is often when a turn to substance abuse and addiction arises. Initially, as an attempt to ease symptoms, tolerance and dependence can occur very quickly, and addiction worsens depression symptoms. Fortunately, rehab is designed to incorporate therapeutic methods to interfere with these associations.

Treatment Options For High-Functioning Depression

Being able to identify a high functioning depression when struggling with an addiction can be difficult, but rehab can help. In knowing how to help someone with drug addiction and depression, these professionals expedite healing from an already grueling illness. However, depending on the severity of the illness, and the duration of addiction, the intensity of treatment can vary. Typically, when treating high functioning depression and substance abuse, the first step is detox. 

Detoxing Provides Clear Perspective on High-Functioning Depression

While actively abusing substances, addiction worsens through cycles of crashing, withdrawal, and drug use. During this time, symptoms of high functioning depression blur into withdrawal, making it harder to notice. Some addicts fail to recognize that they are suffering from high functioning depression, until clean and in treatment. 

That’s why it is important, to begin with, detox, and reevaluate once completely sober. The process of detoxing is conducted in a safe and comfortable environment. It is often in the same center as treatment will be provided. This is important to be able to swiftly move directly into therapy and counseling. By speeding up the diagnosis of high functioning depression, the individual can receive treatment without unnecessary psychological stress, during an already delicate time. 

Inpatient Treatment for Addiction and High-Functioning Depression

Inpatient treatment is increasingly useful in cases where a dual diagnosis is expected. By remaining within the facility for the duration of treatment, the temptation to immediately relapse is off the table. This also gives counselors, doctors, and therapists time to evaluate the mental and emotional state of the addict. 

As established, high functioning depression is easier to diagnose after detox, but still may not be obvious at first. Risking the time an individual has between detox and treatment, all before understanding the effects of their depression is contradictory. Instead, while in the comfort of the program’s residential area, the individual can receive the care that they need. While receiving addiction treatment they will participate in onsite therapy, to evaluate and assess high functioning depression that co-occurs. 

How to Help Someone With High-Functioning Depression

Being that high functioning depression is so hard to identify, it may be difficult to notice your loved ones suffering. But just like other types of depression, it is important to let your loved one know you’re there as support. High functioning depression and addiction, like any other illnesses, are confusing, both for the one suffering, and those around them. 

Depression is a lonely illness in more ways than one. Especially with high functioning depression, it can feel like no one understands because of the ongoing facade. It can cause a person to push away from those that care about them, especially when self-medicating. High-functioning depression often pushes a person to destroy even their closest relationships. Whether out of confusion or embarrassment, this is incredibly emotionally damaging. 

Family therapy is available through rehab to begin to repair these special relationships that have been damaged along the way. They help to provide the suffering individual with a sense of peace, reconciliation, and a sense of community. While helping to build their support system, treatment for addiction and high functioning depression moves forward. This will be important moving forward, especially to avoid relapse. 

Aftercare For High-Functioning Depression and Addiction. 

After completing treatment is when the most important steps must be taken. Maintaining one’s sobriety while constantly being aware of their mental state can be tolling if not prepared. Especially considering that one illness may have a profound effect on the other, determination and diligence are required. 

Rehab is designed to help those suffering from high functioning depression and substance abuse, focus on future efforts. Along with keeping up with therapy and checking in regularly with counselors, sticking to a routine helps tremendously. An aftercare program is designed to collaborate these helpful reinforcements. 

Meetings And Therapy To Maintain Wellness With High-Functioning Depression

Although many illnesses can be cured, both a substance use disorder and high functioning depression are chronic. Without constant upkeep to maintain sobriety and psychological health, relapse into one or both is increasingly likely. The easiest way to manage both illnesses is to incorporate helpful practices into a routine. 

There are many ways to do this and the most popular is participating in a 12 Step program. These sessions encourage regular physical and emotional check-ins, to be constantly aware of your mental status. What’s more, is the sense of community that comes with regular attendance. Especially for those with high functioning depression, regular social interaction can deter solitude, which contributes to relapse. 

Getting Professional Help For High-Functioning Depression

Whether you have an addiction, high functioning depression, or both, getting professional care is the best option. Rehab and detox centers that are designed with complete psychological wellness in mind offer the best restorative conditions. Reach out to gather more information on how to get help for yourself, no matter how long you have suffered. 

Specialists know how to help someone with drug addiction and depression but can only start once the decision is made. That decision is to get sober and take control over your high functioning depression and mental health. Getting better starts with the commitment to yourself to get sober. Today is the day to choose you. 

References:

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9292-persistent-depressive-disorder-pdd

https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/dysthymia-a-to-z

https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/persistent-depressive-disorder-dysthymic-disorder

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541052/