Whack-a-Mole-Recovery and the Behavioral Health Campus
Our brains and bodies actively seek regulation..
I’ve never liked the carnival game Whack-a-Mole. Bashing heads with a cartoon hammer while an endless succession of new rodents appear. It is too stressful and unpredictable. However, I can relate to the use of the term whack-a-mole recovery. Years ago, I pounded down a substance use disorder (SUD) that had taken over my life, and unexpectedly, a long-dormant eating disorder popped up in its place. If I had known then what I know now, I would have been prepared for what the clinicians call “compensatory behaviors.”
Indeed, the admissions team at Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus says that most individuals who come to Sanford with a substance use disorder also have co-occurring disorders. Sanford admissions data is supported by a study published by the National Institutes of Health, which finds that 26% of individuals with any psychiatric disorder also have a substance use disorder. Conversely, the same survey states that 35% of those with substance use disorders had a co-occurring psychiatric disorder. As the old saying goes, forewarned is forearmed.
Whack-a-Mole Recovery or Compensatory Behaviors
“When I’m working with newer clinicians, I always ask them, ‘What need drives the symptoms we are seeing on the surface?’ Whether it’s substance use, an eating disorder, or a mental health diagnosis, the client’s needs are being met.” Therefore, the behavioral health campus supports the vision of retraining the brain. In the campus setting, we recognize the need and find an adaptive, safer way to satisfy it. We must have a lot of empathy and understanding that these symptoms don’t appear overnight; they are, in fact, survival mechanisms.” Sanford Behavioral Health Clinical Director, Tessa Sterling, LMSW
When someone stops using alcohol, for example, it is common to see them pick up another maladaptive behavior. It looks like progress on the surface (alcohol was killing me, and now, shopping online satisfies and calms my anxiety), but clinically, this is called a compensatory behavior. Our brains and bodies actively seek regulation. Moreover, there are many shortcuts to calm emotions, reduce anxiety, distract from trauma, and create a sense of relief. For a period, they might serve the purpose. But when someone quits misusing alcohol and starts using cannabis heavily, or gambling, or buying unneeded items online at 1:00 am, the nervous system is being soothed in a maladaptive way. The original problems are left unaddressed.
The Behavioral Health Campus Concept
At Sanford West Behavioral Health Campus, our goal is not just to eliminate unhealthy coping mechanisms. We replace them with internal regulation strategies that empower our clients to face life safely and sustainably.
- Treating the root cause, whether it is trauma, depression, or anxiety, we don’t stop at surface symptoms. Healing begins when you address the core issues.
- Self-regulation skills, including breathing practices, grounding techniques, and emotional awareness, help calm the nervous system.
- Cognitive flexibility, challenging old beliefs, and learning to tolerate distress, anxiety, and boredom.
- Building resilience, navigating challenges, and managing daily life.
For more information on our mental health programs, CLICK HERE.
A behavioral health campus allows us to treat different diagnoses across multiple levels of care under one roof. It gives us flexibility. Mental and behavioral health treatment is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Each patient has specific and individualized needs. At our campus, we offer access to a range of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, nurses, clinical therapists, case managers, dietitians, recreational guides, and more. Not only is treatment available on our campus, but many of our services can also be provided virtually.
Sanford Chief Operating Officer Katie Vokes says, “The fact that we have everything here on campus allows us continuity of care. We are able to treat the whole person. From a clinical standpoint, if someone with a substance use disorder starts in detox and goes into residential and steps down to PHP, IOP, and outpatient, we are able to work with them on their treatment goals.
However, we can alter and revamp treatment as needed. For example, we have had people start therapy in a mental health program only to determine that a substance use disorder is more prevalent than previously reported. We can handle everything right here without causing unnecessary confusion. The client needn’t visit a different location. People come to us because they trust us. They may not know what they need, but if they come through our doors, I know we will take care of them. If their needs change, we adjust and tailor the program to meet their new needs.”
Whack-a-Mole Recovery and the Behavioral Health Campus
I don’t like any “games of chance” in the arcade; they’re tilted to keep the prizes out of reach. A behavioral Health Campus does the opposite. Its purpose is to provide a centralized environment where individuals can receive specialized care for mental health and substance use disorders. Instead of playing a game of whack-a-mole with symptoms, it brings together multiple levels of treatment, clinical and medical expertise, and supportive services in one place. This seamless, integrated approach addresses the root causes and stacks the odds in your favor for the joyful life you deserve.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, eating disorders, or a mental health condition, don’t wait to change your life – click the link below to speak with an admissions specialist. Speak with a real person and access treatment 24/7.
