Breaking the Cycle of Self-Medication with Mental Health Treatment
For many of our clients, drugs and alcohol are not the core problem.
I have a friend who quit drinking because they realized a cocktail had become a panacea for everything. They said, “When I was excited, I had a drink. Sad? I had a drink. When I was anxious, I poured a cocktail, and when I was mad, I pounded a few beers.” This friend intuitively knew that alcohol was not the healthiest way to cope with life’s travails (or celebrations). At Sanford Behavioral Health, we understand that substance use may begin as an attempt to quiet anxiety, numb pain, or manage the symptoms of a mental health condition. We’re breaking the cycle of self-medication by addressing the symptoms and the source with a full complement of evidence-based care at our Behavioral Health Campus.
Using alcohol, kratom, cannabis, or other potentially addictive substances may bring temporary relief from emotional distress. However, Sanford Clinical Director Tessa Sterling, LMSW, says, “Our brains and bodies naturally seek regulation, and addictive substances are shortcuts to calm emotions, reduce anxiety, distract from trauma, and create a sense of relief. They may serve their purpose for a time, but they soothe the nervous system in a maladaptive way. The original problems are still there.”
Breaking the Cycle of Self-Medication with Mental Health Treatment
At Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, we treat different diagnoses across multiple levels of care under one roof. For many of our clients, drugs and alcohol are not the core problem—they are a way to cope with the distress of an untreated or improperly treated mental health condition. When that condition is diagnosed and stabilized through therapy, medication, and support, the need to use often fades. As mental health improves, substances lose their power, and recovery becomes a natural extension of the healing process.
With the announcement of Sanford’s Mental Health Residential Program, we now offer a range of mental health programs, including medical detox, residential and outpatient services, supportive living, and family services. Our virtual two- to four-week tune-ups are also available. Sanford treatment teams (medical and clinical) determine which program is best for each client. For example, the medical provider team approves transfers from detox (if necessary) into the mental health or substance use disorder programs. Our multidisciplinary team meets each person where they are—addressing both substance use and mental health to promote long-term healing.
What We Treat
- Mood Disorders: This includes major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and disruptive dysregulation disorder. Are you:
-
- Struggling to leave your bed
- Missing work
- Manic episodes with decreased sleep
- Hyperverbal (talks fast and A LOT)
- Weight loss
- Struggling to complete activities of daily living due to a lack of motivation
- Psychosis
-
Anxiety Disorders: Including generalized anxiety disorders, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, and OCD. Do you have:
- Panic attacks when leaving home
- Panic attacks in groups
- Rituals around washing your hands
- Anxious feelings throughout the day
-
Trauma Disorders: Such as PTSD, dissociative disorders, acute stress reactions, and adjustment disorders. Are you experiencing:
- Dissociation as a stress response
- Fight, flight, or freeze responses
- Isolated incidents of verbal or physical aggression
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Personality Disorders: Including borderline personality disorder, narcissistic personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, and schizoaffective disorder. Do you experience:
- Triangulation (drawing a third person into a conflict or decision) with family and friends
- Triangulation between admissions & clinical or within clinical relationships
- Maladaptive ways of getting your needs met
- Grandiose thinking
- Symptoms: Such as self-harm, suicidality, and treatment-interfering behaviors.
- Self-Harm through scratching
- Baseline suicidality
- Refusing groups and therapy sessions
- Emotional dysregulation that shows up as suicidal thinking
- Multiple inpatient stays
When Mental Health Stabilizes, Healing Follows
Self-medication may bring temporary relief, but true healing begins when the underlying mental health condition is treated. With professional care, the mind and body learn to regulate in healthy ways—no shortcuts, no numbing—just lasting stability and relief. As Clinical Director, Tessa Sterling says, “At Sanford Behavioral Health, our clients learn healthier ways to regulate emotions and the nervous system. Most people do not learn coping strategies or healthy communication strategies. We provide access to specialized programs that support mental health and overall well-being.”
If you or a loved one is struggling with a mental health condition, addiction, or eating disorders, don’t wait to change your life – click the link and get in touch today. Our admissions specialists are available 24/7 to provide a free screening, answer questions, or schedule your admission to treatment.
