Co-Occurring Impulse Control Disorders

During Solara Mental Health’s intensive program, clients are disconnected from their everyday life, removing them from places, situations and stressors that can cause them to act on their impulses. Many clients find this distance to be vital to recovery.  Away from their usual triggers, they have the space to truly asses their behavior and begin the healing process.

Our program structure and psychiatric facilities are augmented by our staff, who are experts in treating co-occurring impulse control disorders. Clinicians will work individually with clients to create a treatment plan that is thorough and specific, addressing all their specific symptoms and struggles. Through a personalized treatment plan, clients are able to work through their disorder in an environment that is supportive and safe. We also utilize family therapy, allowing clients and their loved ones to openly discuss their relationship and learn how to heal and support each other.

For some clients, impulse control disorder medications—such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications—have been found to be successful in treatment. As needed, Solara Mental Health’s psychiatrists will prescribe medication that appropriately addresses both a client’s impulse control disorder and co-occurring disorder.

Individual psychotherapy is a proven, effective method for clients seeking relief from co-occurring impulse control disorders. Working one-on-one with our expert staff, clients will examine their disorder in-depth, working to identify their triggers and practice new skills that will help them avoid engaging in destructive behaviors. Clinicians will also help clients separate their impulse control disorder from their co-occurring mental health disorder, allowing them to see how the two influence each other.  Once this is accomplished, our mental health treatment center is able to treat each disorder appropriately for the most effective recovery possible.

Through this in-depth study, clients will learn a variety of techniques to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety.  Patients can then use these techniques to stop triggers before they start. Our clinicians will also help clients learn to see situations realistically and make decisions accordingly. As clients learn these skills, they learn to break the cycle of mounting tension, release and remorse that is so central to co-occurring impulse control disorders—and once free of this cycle, clients can move forward towards stability and healing.

Solara Mental Health provides a specialized impulse control therapy group as part of its treatment program. Here, clients struggling with co-occurring impulse control disorders can meet in a structured support group to discuss both their experiences and their methods for overcoming impulsive desires and behaviors. In addition to building on progress made during individual therapy, the support group is a place where clients can receive support and understanding from peers, and support others in their healing process as well. Many clients find group therapy to be vital to their recovery.  It allows them to develop compassion for both others and themselves and find relief from guilt.

Family therapy is a crucial part of recovering from co-occurring impulse control disorders. People struggling with this disorder often find themselves focusing heavily on their illness or engaging frequently in impulsive behaviors, which can have severe emotional and practical consequences for the family. For instance, a gambling addiction can cause intense financial distress and substance abuse can damage the family both economically and emotionally.

Solara Mental Health’s family therapy program gives family members a caring, understanding place where they can express their feelings, heal personally and repair hurt relationships. As needed, family members can also gain a more thorough understanding of the disorder itself and discuss ways to support their loved one through recovery.

Stress reduction is an important part of managing co-occurring impulse control disorders.  Solara Mental Health offers several physical therapies as part of our treatment program. Massages will alleviate tension that builds up in the body.  Meditation and yoga will help clients ground themselves in their body and relax. These physical therapeutic modalities give clients extra methods for avoiding and overcoming triggers.  They also aid clients in mastering the impulse to engage in damaging behaviors.

While our clients make considerable and rapid improvements, impulse control disorder is often a long-term condition. Through years of experience, our mental health treatment center has learned how to provides the entire spectrum of care for our clients.  From inpatient to outpatient, from transitional living to a long-term aftercare plan, our program has been designed to free our clients from the clutches of impulse control disorder.

Contact us now to start the healing process.