If alcohol, drugs and gambling problems are often linked, then detection, support and treatment need to be done as well. Otherwise, there is a risk that we help on the surface, but miss what is actually driving the problems further.
Once we accept that codependency rarely consists of a single isolated problem, the next question becomes obvious: how should we work differently?
A first step is to ask more and better questions. Anyone seeking help for alcohol problems should also be asked questions about gambling, drugs, medication, mental health and finances. Anyone seeking help for gambling problems should also be asked questions about alcohol, drugs and life situation. It sounds obvious, but in practice it is not always done systematically. The consequence is that important connections are missed.
For example, it could be a person who describes stress, difficulty sleeping and increasing alcohol consumption, but where no one asks about gambling. Or someone who is applying for gambling-related debts, but where underlying anxiety, drug use or cannabis use is never detected. In this case, the efforts risk being too narrow.
Early detection is therefore not just a matter of identifying a problem quickly. It is about identifying the correct problem picture.
A more coordinated approach to support around the individual is also needed. Codependency rarely affects just one part of life. It often affects work, relationships, finances, mental health and physical health at the same time. Therefore, interventions sometimes need to be therapeutic, supportive, structured in everyday life, social and practical at the same time.
There is also a preventive perspective here that often gets too little space. Codependency rarely occurs overnight. There are often early signals: changed behavior, increased absence, financial pressure, sleep problems, impulsivity, social withdrawal or a clear shift in mood. The earlier such signals are detected, the greater the chance of stopping the development before the problems become too extensive.
At the same time, we need to be careful with simplistic conclusions. People are not their test results, diagnoses or behaviors. Sustainable work requires both structure and respect. It requires clarity, but also the ability to understand that addiction problems are often closely intertwined with shame, fear and ambivalence.
That is why more accurate work with mixed addictions must be based on both knowledge and nuances. Not just on control. Not just on individual efforts. But on a real desire to understand the whole picture behind the behavior.
To successfully prevent and treat addiction problems, it is not enough to see part of the problem – we must dare to see the whole picture.
Previct Care Treatment support – directly on your mobile phone
For risky use and addiction care regarding alcohol, gambling or drugs, Previct Care is available as extra support in everyday life.
The client can carry out large parts of the care themselves in their own environment, with Previct Care the client becomes more involved, it is more on the client’s own terms and conditions. The caregiver receives direct information about how the client is doing in terms of sobriety, well-being and motivation and can therefore support in the best way.
The client performs daily sobriety tests, drug tests and/or is followed up on gambling, depending on the type of support needed. Smart alcohol and drug tests are done on the mobile phone with an app and ID check that allows the client to perform the tests themselves without physical supervision. The sobriety tests are performed with an alcohol meter that is connected to the Previct App on the mobile phone and the drug tests are done using the mobile phone’s camera, which scans the eye.
In addition to sobriety tests, the client receives a customized care plan that is created together with the caregiver as a support for creating positive habits and routines. Daily tests and regular reflection with exercises and tasks are an invaluable support in the treatment. Previct Care provides the opportunity to take back control.
Contact us: info@kontigocare.com