Treating clients with schizophrenia involves significant experience, patience, research, and dedication. At Viewpoint Dual Recovery, we have found that a gradual titration of medication, shared decision-making practices, altering the timing of medication administration, careful monitoring, and setting realistic expectations can help clients avoid clinically significant adverse effects of schizophrenia.
The symptoms of this chronic brain disorder vary from person to person, but they generally include some combination of the following:
- Disconnection from reality
- Delusions
- Bizarre behavior
- Inability to function
- Hallucinations
- Homelessness
- Unemployment
- Frequent hospital visits
- Low quality of life
One of the hallmarks of schizophrenia is that it affects a person’s ability to think logically and recognize reality. The disease affects about 1 in every 100 people around the world. Getting enrolled in a schizophrenia treatment program, such as the one at Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center can be essential in helping people establish routines and adhere to their medication schedule. It allows those with this mental disorder to learn to manage day-to-day living.
Understanding Schizophrenia
Many experts believe the development of schizophrenia ties back to various genetic and environmental factors. Having a family history of the disorder can increase a person’s chances of inheriting the disease by 10 percent. Research has identified specific genes that heighten a person’s risk of developing schizophrenia. They affect brain development and interfere with the way nerve cells communicate.
The disorder may manifest during childhood and persist throughout a person’s life. Many people who have schizophrenia may end up isolating themselves from others due to the difficulty they have with their thought processes and perception of the world.
The symptoms of schizophrenia tend to be chronic and debilitating. Schizophrenia falls into a classification with several other psychotic disorders. Those who suffer from the condition may experience the following symptoms:
- Hallucinations
- Delusions
- Disorganized speech
- Diminished emotions
- Inability to finish out activities
- Problems with working memory
People with schizophrenia often have issues functioning at work or forming lasting personal relationships. They may also begin neglecting their personal care. Individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia are at a heightened risk for self-destructive behaviors, including substance abuse and thoughts of suicide.
Going to a Schizophrenia Treatment Program
While there’s no cure for schizophrenia, it is possible to help those with the disorder manage the symptoms. Early enrollment in a schizophrenia treatment program is essential to having success in those efforts. Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center often combines the use of medication and psychological counseling to help keep the symptoms of schizophrenia under control.
- Medication management: Most physicians recommend taking antipsychotic medication to help with the symptoms of schizophrenia. We need to continually monitor our clients to judge the effects of the medicine and to adjust the dosage as needed.
- Psychotherapy: Therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be useful in helping clients manage their schizophrenia symptoms.
- Family education: Many families also need help in assisting a loved one who has schizophrenia. We teach them how to care for their well-being and provide support when they have a family member in need.
- Men’s and women’s treatment programs: Some people have trauma related to the opposite gender in their past that makes it more difficult for them to recover. Men and women in our IOP and PHP levels of care will be in co-ed groups at some points during their stay. There is gender specific primary group and gender-specific housing, however, many group activities are co-ed.
Benefits of a Schizophrenia Treatment Program
Clients participating in Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center’s schizophrenia treatment program receive a full assessment. We take a holistic approach to treatment by focusing on what benefits the individual versus fitting everyone into a specific treatment plan.
Our staff has years of experience helping clients dealing with mental health and substance abuse issues. Since many people dealing with schizophrenia often turn to substance abuse, they may benefit from therapies offered through our other programs.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center
At Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center, we help people just like you overcome both addiction and mental illness. We know how challenging it can be to battle both at once, and we want to be your allies in that fight. At our treatment center, we use holistic and evidence-based treatments to give you the best chance of recovery. Furthermore, we will tailor your treatment to your unique needs. That way, you get the healing you need in the long run. Our treatment options may include:
Contact Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center at 855.746.3633 if you’re interested in learning more about our schizophrenia treatment program or other offered services.