Information for Families & Loved Ones

Understanding Addiction & Mental Health Treatment

When a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, addiction, or a mental health disorder, families often face their own unique challenges. Here, we value the importance of familial relationships and support when it comes to treating addiction and mental/behavioral health. To that end, we have put together some helpful information for family members and loved ones who are seeking answers and support. We encourage you to continue reading to learn more or feel free to contact us directly to speak to a friendly and compassionate member of our staff. As part of our commitment to communication and transparency, we welcome you to call us at any time to discuss your loved one’s treatment program, recovery, and overall wellness.

Contact us online or by phone at (865) 205-2770 today to learn more. 

What Is Addiction?

In the simplest terms, addiction is a disease. Addiction primarily affects the brain, though its symptoms and effects are often physical. The primary characteristic of this disease involves the compulsive use of harmful substances despite negative consequences. Individuals struggling with substance abuse disorder and addiction have an intense focus on obtaining and using substances, despite knowing that doing so will likely cause numerous problems in various aspects of their lives.

People who are struggling with addiction are dealing with a complex brain disease. Simply stopping substance use is rarely an option without professional help. However, with the proper treatment and support, many people dealing with addiction are able to make full recoveries and go on to live healthy, productive lives.

What to Expect When Your Loved One Is in Treatment

Having a loved one enter an alcohol or drug addiction program or go through mental health treatment can be an emotional experience for family members and loved ones. You may be feeling a mixture of concern, relief, hope, nervousness, anxiety, and stress.

While everyone’s experience with addiction and mental health treatment is different, there are some things you can expect. The first step is the initial intake. During this stage, we will assess your loved one’s needs and provide recommendations for how to proceed. This may involve undergoing detoxification at an inpatient facility, which we can recommend, or it may involve getting started with one of our programs right away.

We offer both intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs. With these programs, your loved one does not live at our facility full time. Instead, they continue living at home while coming into our facility multiple times a week for treatment. During this time, your loved one will be able to continue seeing you, working, caring for their children, and engaging in productive activities.

We also understand the importance of aftercare and ongoing support for those in recovery. Once your loved one has completed his or her treatment program, he or she will have the opportunity to continue therapy and other supportive treatments to that level that he or she needs/wants.

What We Treat

At Tennessee Wellness Center, we treat a range of substance abuse disorders, addictions, and mental health concerns, including but not limited to:

• Alcohol abuse
• Opioid addiction
• Heroin addiction
• Cocaine addiction
• Benzodiazepine addiction
• Meth addiction
• Prescription drug abuse
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar disorder

We focus on whole-person wellness, meaning we take into account our clients’ physical, emotional, and mental well-being.

Our Family Is Dedicated to Yours

At Tennessee Wellness Center, we see ourselves as a family. Our mission is to provide your loved one and your entire family with the personal attention, care, and support you need. We have extensive experience and a record of success in helping people manage addictions and mental health conditions, allowing them to go on to lead happy, normal lives. We are dedicated to guiding you through the process and providing consistent communication every step of the way.

Learn more about our addiction and mental health treatment facility in Knoxville by calling us at (865) 205-2770 or submitting an online contact form today. 

What Are the Signs of Substance Abuse & Addiction?

Because substance abuse affects each individual differently, the signs that someone is dealing with dependency or addiction are equally unique.

That being said, if your loved one is struggling with addiction, you may notice the following signs:

• Increased secretiveness
• Evasiveness
• Lying
• Stealing, particularly money
• Unusual changes in social groups or friendships
• Dramatic changes in energy levels
• Unusual and marked changes in financial situation
• Unexplained and pronounced changes in mood or behavior
• Unexplained and urgent outings
• Noticeable weight loss or gain
• Drug paraphernalia
• Excitability
• Persistent coughing or sniffling/runny nose
• Changes in pupil size (larger or smaller)
• Appearing ill or unwell sometimes and well at other times

To learn more about the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse and/or various types of drug addiction, visit our Alcohol Addiction and Drug Addiction pages.

When Does Someone Need Professional Treatment for a Mental Health Condition?

There is no set time when a person should seek help or any particular symptom that indicates someone may need mental health treatment. However, anyone struggling with a mental health condition can benefit from professional treatment and support.

It may be appropriate to seek professional help for a mental health disorder when it:

• Noticeably or severely affects the individual’s life
• Causes significant stress or challenges in the individual’s life
• Causes the individual to engage in self-harm
• Leads to thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Affects the individual’s relationships with others
• Affects the individual’s employment or schooling

There is often a strong connection between mental health and addiction or substance misuse. Individuals struggling with mental health disorders may attempt to self-medicate or “numb” themselves by abusing alcohol, prescription drugs, or illicit substances. This can lead to worsened mental health in a vicious negative feedback loop.