SPONSORED CONTENT Help and Hope for Substance Use Disorders Learning how to cope during partic- ularly stressful events in life-and we all experience them-isn't one of those instinctual mechanisms our brains came equipped to handle. The flood of racing thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, and emotional ups and down are hard for even the most mentally prepared to deal with. For many, this is when substance use can take over. But there is hope and help. "We're here for those struggling with substance use and we utilize a whole person approach," said Shannon Kro- nlund, Northwestern Mental Health Center outpatient treatment director. or alcohol provides them a brief relief from the overwhelming feelings they carry around," Kronlund said.They may not have another coping skill they find works as 'effectively in the moment and as a result, a pattern of use can be established." Those who are struggling may also find that substance use provides a faster result than coping skills that are new or unfamiliar to them, and to get relief vidual's protective and risk factors so we can provide the most effective care and treatment which results in higher success rates." NWMHC is a behavioral health cen- ter that provides a variety of services, including mental health treatment, crisis response, supportive housing and ickly, they continue to use substances. help with early chíldhood development. substance use as a copíng mechanism, It's substance use disorder treatment helps individuals ages 10 and older. The or marijuana," said Janet Denison, team also works with community and statewide partners when more intensive clinical officer. "Often during challeng- outpatient or inpatient treatments are needed. "It's common for people to turn to whether it's alcohol, methamphetamines Northwestern Mental Health Center chief ing times we may have increased stress and this can test the person's use of healthier coping skills and their use of The center's whole person approach, or biopsychosocial approach, to helping supports and connections." those suffering from a substance use disorder involves treating the biolog- ial, psychological, and social factors of a person's life and their complex interactions. This includes considering a person's brain characteristics, envi- ronmental stressors and emotional or physical trauma they've endured. Treatment not only helps individuals deal with the short-term issues, but it also equips them with the skills for long-term success. Those in recovery also avoid the future health effects of long-term substance use, such as liver damage, vitamin deficiencies, paranoia, stroke and increased cancer risks. ating mental health issues and hindering "We focus on helping individuals as how they're dealt with by the individual. well as their families find hope and a It's not uncommon for people diagnosed path to wellness," Denison said. "Our with a mental health disorder to also have a substance use problem. In 2018, The National Alliance on Mental lllness first." estimated that there were 9.2 million adults in the U.S. suffering from these co-occurring disorders, which profes- sionals all term as dual diagnois. staff approaches care from a non-judg- mental standpoint, putting the client In addition to professional help, there are many things people can do to im- prove their wellbeing and overall outlook on life. These include: Being aware of and communicating feelings Connect with family and friends "This is one of the reasons recovery does not and should not happen alone," Denison said. "Our entire team at North- Knowing what is and is not in a per- western Mental Health Center under- stands this and is dedicated to treating not just the substance use disorder, but the whole person. For many profession- als here, that also means they're treat- ing substance abuse alongside a mental health issue." son's control Eating healthy, well balanced meals · Exercise Getting adequate and quality sleep Keep a positive attitude Making time for hobbies and various interests Relaxation such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga Setting limits to decrease stress and knowing it is ok to say "No" With the whole person approach, pro- fessionals like those at NWMHC pro- vide low intensity individual and group treatment for substance use disorders as well as outpatient care for mental health issues. Several of the providers are trained in dual diagnosis treatment. isolating from others, or neglecting work The facility also is equipped with several or family obligations, the caring team at nurse practitioners who can administer Northwestern Mental Health Center is medication assisted therapy, which may here to help. Call them today at 218-281- help recovery for some. "People may find that the use of drugs If you or someone you know is strug- gling with substance use, whether it's 3940 or visit their website at nwmhc.org. There is help and there is hope. SPONSORED CONTENT Help and Hope for Substance Use Disorders Learning how to cope during partic- ularly stressful events in life-and we all experience them-isn't one of those instinctual mechanisms our brains came equipped to handle. The flood of racing thoughts, feelings of hopelessness, and emotional ups and down are hard for even the most mentally prepared to deal with. For many, this is when substance use can take over. But there is hope and help. "We're here for those struggling with substance use and we utilize a whole person approach," said Shannon Kro- nlund, Northwestern Mental Health Center outpatient treatment director. or alcohol provides them a brief relief from the overwhelming feelings they carry around," Kronlund said.They may not have another coping skill they find works as 'effectively in the moment and as a result, a pattern of use can be established." Those who are struggling may also find that substance use provides a faster result than coping skills that are new or unfamiliar to them, and to get relief vidual's protective and risk factors so we can provide the most effective care and treatment which results in higher success rates." NWMHC is a behavioral health cen- ter that provides a variety of services, including mental health treatment, crisis response, supportive housing and ickly, they continue to use substances. help with early chíldhood development. substance use as a copíng mechanism, It's substance use disorder treatment helps individuals ages 10 and older. The or marijuana," said Janet Denison, team also works with community and statewide partners when more intensive clinical officer. "Often during challeng- outpatient or inpatient treatments are needed. "It's common for people to turn to whether it's alcohol, methamphetamines Northwestern Mental Health Center chief ing times we may have increased stress and this can test the person's use of healthier coping skills and their use of The center's whole person approach, or biopsychosocial approach, to helping supports and connections." those suffering from a substance use disorder involves treating the biolog- ial, psychological, and social factors of a person's life and their complex interactions. This includes considering a person's brain characteristics, envi- ronmental stressors and emotional or physical trauma they've endured. Treatment not only helps individuals deal with the short-term issues, but it also equips them with the skills for long-term success. Those in recovery also avoid the future health effects of long-term substance use, such as liver damage, vitamin deficiencies, paranoia, stroke and increased cancer risks. ating mental health issues and hindering "We focus on helping individuals as how they're dealt with by the individual. well as their families find hope and a It's not uncommon for people diagnosed path to wellness," Denison said. "Our with a mental health disorder to also have a substance use problem. In 2018, The National Alliance on Mental lllness first." estimated that there were 9.2 million adults in the U.S. suffering from these co-occurring disorders, which profes- sionals all term as dual diagnois. staff approaches care from a non-judg- mental standpoint, putting the client In addition to professional help, there are many things people can do to im- prove their wellbeing and overall outlook on life. These include: Being aware of and communicating feelings Connect with family and friends "This is one of the reasons recovery does not and should not happen alone," Denison said. "Our entire team at North- Knowing what is and is not in a per- western Mental Health Center under- stands this and is dedicated to treating not just the substance use disorder, but the whole person. For many profession- als here, that also means they're treat- ing substance abuse alongside a mental health issue." son's control Eating healthy, well balanced meals · Exercise Getting adequate and quality sleep Keep a positive attitude Making time for hobbies and various interests Relaxation such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga Setting limits to decrease stress and knowing it is ok to say "No" With the whole person approach, pro- fessionals like those at NWMHC pro- vide low intensity individual and group treatment for substance use disorders as well as outpatient care for mental health issues. Several of the providers are trained in dual diagnosis treatment. isolating from others, or neglecting work The facility also is equipped with several or family obligations, the caring team at nurse practitioners who can administer Northwestern Mental Health Center is medication assisted therapy, which may here to help. Call them today at 218-281- help recovery for some. "People may find that the use of drugs If you or someone you know is strug- gling with substance use, whether it's 3940 or visit their website at nwmhc.org. There is help and there is hope.