AK Child and Family – Maplewood Campus

Dual Diagnosis

Individuals who are diagnosed with both a substance use disorder as well as a mental health disorder are often referred to as having co-occurring disorders. The combination of a mental health disorder and substance abuse or dependence is very common. Studies indicate that more than half of young people with a substance abuse diagnosis also have a diagnosable mental illness. At AK Child & Family, they recognize that co-occurring mental health and substance use impacts one another and to be most effective, both disorders should be treated at the same time.

Mental Health

Mental health rehabs focus on helping individuals recover from mental illnesses like bipolar disorder, clinical depression, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Mental health professionals at these facilities are trained to understand and treat mental health issues, both in individual and group settings.

Alcoholism

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) encompasses the conditions often referred to as alcoholism, alcohol abuse, alcohol dependence, and alcohol addiction. If someone is addicted to alcohol, they continue to drink, even when experiencing negative consequences. But alcohol rehab in Alaska can help you overcome alcohol dependency. Treatment typically involves evidence-based therapies and support groups, but may also include medications to treat alcohol addiction.

Drug Addiction

During drug rehab in Alaska, you'll receive a combination of medical and psychotherapeutic treatments that are designed to treat drug dependency. The goal of drug rehab is to break this dependency and help you develop the skills to maintain a drug-free life.

Substance Abuse

In Alaska, substance abuse treatment programs provide a full spectrum of addiction care, which may include detox, residential, and intensive outpatient programs. These programs incorporate evidence-based therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), trauma-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy. You'll learn emotional regulation skills, new coping strategies, and develop a supportive recovery community, which are essential components of long-term recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a therapy modality that focuses on the relationship between one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is used to establish and allow for healthy responses to thoughts and feelings (instead of unhealthy responses, like using drugs or alcohol). CBT has been proven effective for recovering addicts of all kinds, and is used to strengthen a patient's own self-awareness and ability to self-regulate. CBT allows individuals to monitor their own emotional state, become more adept at communicating with others, and manage stress without needing to engage in substance abuse.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a modified form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a treatment designed to help people understand and ultimately affect the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. DBT is often used for individuals who struggle with self-harm behaviors, such as self-mutilation (cutting) and suicidal thoughts, urges, or attempts. It has been proven clinically effective for those who struggle with out-of-control emotions and mental health illnesses like Borderline Personality Disorder.

Experiential Therapy

Experiential therapy is a form of therapy in which clients are encouraged to surface and work through subconscious issues by engaging in real-time experiences. Experiential therapy departs from traditional talk therapy by involving the body, and having clients engage in activities, movements, and physical and emotional expression. This can involve role-play or using props (which can include other people). Experiential therapy can help people process trauma, memories, and emotion quickly, deeply, and in a lasting fashion, leading to substantial and impactful healing.

Family Therapy

Research clearly demonstrates that recovery is far more successful and sustainable when loved ones like family members participate in rehab and substance abuse treatment. Genetic factors may be at play when it comes to drug and alcohol addiction, as well as mental health issues. Family dynamics often play a critical role in addiction triggers, and if properly educated, family members can be a strong source of support when it comes to rehabilitation.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is any therapeutic work that happens in a group (not one-on-one). There are a number of different group therapy modalities, including support groups, experiential therapy, psycho-education, and more. Group therapy involves treatment as well as processing interaction between group members.

Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, a patient meets one-on-one with a trained psychologist or counselor. Therapy is a pivotal part of effective substance abuse treatment, as it often covers root causes of addiction, including challenges faced by the patient in their social, family, and work/school life.

Life Skills

Activity therapy is available both individually and in a group setting. Individual activity therapy pairs a child with an adult Activity Therapist (AT) to work on social skills, communication, goal setting, independent living, anger management and other treatment issues. Group Activity Therapy follows a curriculum that introduces youth to a variety of topics and issues that may include self-expression, community resources, initiative taking, vocational training, team building, health and fitness, social skill development and psychotherapy.

Nutrition Therapy

Nutrition therapy, aka medical nutrition therapy (MNT), is a way of treating physical, emotional, and medical conditions through diet. Specific dietary plans are designed by professional nutritionists or registered dietitians, and patients follow them in order to positively affect their physical and mental health.

Trauma Therapy

Trauma therapy addresses traumatic incidents from a client's past that are likely affecting their present-day experience. Trauma is often one of the primary triggers and potential causes of addiction, and can stem from child sexual abuse, domestic violence, having a parent with a mental illness, losing one or both parents at a young age, teenage or adult sexual assault, or any number of other factors. The purpose of trauma therapy is to allow a patient to process trauma and move through and past it, with the help of trained and compassionate mental health professionals.

Recreational Therapy

Recreational therapy helps people who are recovering from addiction engage in structured activities that raise their self esteem and resilience. These activities could include hiking, team sports, and creative arts. They help divert focus away from substance use while improving your physical fitness. This provides a constructive outlet for stress and emotions.