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Co-occurring disorders mean two diseases, mental disorders and substance use disorders, previously considered as distinct categories. The treatment for these disorders becomes more problematic when both occur in the same individual at the same time.
Understanding the connection between mental illness and addiction, as well as training treatment for the problems of recovery, are essential to helping patients with these issues.
Within this blog we will discuss how these disorders interact with one another, how to treat these disorders, and how people and families can navigate the treatment/recovery process.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders: The Link Between Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Co-occurring disorders are defined as the presence of mental health problems concurrent with substance disability. Dual diagnosis is difficult because one condition may exacerbate or cause the other. If you think about it, a depressed person might start using drugs/alcohol as a way to not feel the emotional turmoil they are in, which increases signs of mental illness.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
A co-occurring disorder is a mental health disorder and addiction present at the same time. For example, one may have a substance abuse problem in a manic phase of Bipolar Disorder or use alcohol to dull their anxiety for anxiety. The reason is that all these problems combined need a unique approach to treat not only the addiction but also the mental health disorder, as treating one will not eliminate the other.
How Mental Health Disorders and Addiction Interact
The confluence of mental disorders and dependence must be seen as an intricate cycle. Some mental disorders drive a person to resort to substance abuse as a coping mechanism.
For example, an anxious individual may consume alcohol to diminish their symptoms temporarily. But as time passes, the ingestion of drugs or alcohol worsens anxiety symptoms. It could lead to alcoholism or drug dependence, creating an insidious circle where one problem fuels the other, prolonging the misery of the other.
The use of such abusive substances changes the brain chemistry and precipitates or aggravates symptoms of such disorders. So, substance abuse and mental health treatments should be coupled to break the cycle effectively.
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Mental Health
Substance abuse impact on mental health. Brain function, mood, and behavior can be swayed by the effects of drugs and alcohol right away. They will often make underlying mental health illnesses worse.
For example, depression from heavy drinking, paranoia, or psychosis, either caused by genetics or an underlying cause of illicit drug use. That is how cognitive functioning gets damaged through substance abuse, and the mental health disorders a person has will be more complex to treat. All of which sets up a vicious cycle that feeds the mental health deterioration.
What Comes First: Substance Abuse or Mental Health Problems?
A frequent question is what came first: “Substance abuse or mental disorders?” The truth is that it is not always one influencing the other. In some instances, mental health issues may be pre-existing to the addiction, and at different times, substance abuse may trigger mental health symptoms.
Exploring the Complex Relationship Between Mental Health and Addiction
No doubt, the complexity of mental disorders and addictions intersection is significantly different for every individual. In others, the initial substance use may be an attempt to cope with other undiagnosed/untreated mental health conditions that destabilize, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. As addiction progresses, mental health degrades unusually worse.
For other individuals, it takes a drug-induced change in the brain to get going with a mental disorder. Long-term use of drugs/ alcohol changes the brain chemistry and, in capable individuals, triggers anxiety, disorders like depression, or other similar mental health problems.
How Substance Abuse Can Exacerbate Existing Mental Health Issues
In contrast, if a person is already suffering from mental issues, the act of using substances may add to underlying symptoms as well. We could say, for example, that a depressed individual will self-medicate by drinking or doing drugs, which only serves to compound the sadness and hopelessness.
Using substances hinders clear objective thinking, which destroys processing thoughts or the ability to process emotions, and needs assistance. It exacerbates the sufferance of mental illness, which increases the probability of requiring treatment for co-existing disorders.
The Role of Genetics and Environment in Co-Occurring Disorders
Family history, trauma, or stress determine your risk of becoming addicted and the development of mental health issues with front-loading on addiction. With a family history of mental health services for substance abuse, it is likely this individual is going to get these disorders, too.
Childhood trauma or drug and alcohol exposure can also put a person at risk for developing mental health problems as well.
Recognizing a Dual Diagnosis: Symptoms and Warning Signs
The recognition of co-occurring disorders is critical for getting the right treatment plan. As the symptoms of mental health disorders and substance abuse often manifest in the same way, trying to sort out what is at the root without intervention can be an almost impossible task.
Identifying Substance Abuse Symptoms
Some of the classic signs of abuse of substances encompass:
- Raising tolerance or falling into withdrawal.
- Substance abuse in reckless environments (Driving while impaired by consuming substances).
- Not being able or wanting to moderate their use of a given substance, and/or wanting but not being able to reduce their intake.
- Using substances as a substrate for self-medicating to cope with stress (e.g., anxiety) or hyperarousal in the face of several stressors.
Signs such as these should not be neglected, for untreated substance abuse would worsen not only one’s addiction but also the accompanying mental illness.
Recognizing Common Mental Health Disorders Linked to Addiction
Most mental health disorders and diseases are also co-morbid with substance abuse, such as:
- Depression.
- Anxiety Disorders.
- Bipolar Disorder.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD).
So, all these mental illnesses will be affected by the use of drugs. Both disorders have to be treated at the same time.
How to Spot a Dual Diagnosis in Yourself or a Loved One
For yourself or anybody you know, if the symptoms of dual diagnosis are present, help must be given immediately. Some of the indicating signs for dual diagnosis are the following, but not limited to:
- Mood swings or emotional instability.
- Using substances to escape destructive emotions or specific situations.
- Hopelessness, anxiety, or paranoia.
- Disharmonious behavior with patterns that disrupt relationships & daily living
A professional assessment is necessary to establish whether a dual diagnosis exists, and this should result in an optimal treatment plan.
Treatment Options for Mental Health and Substance Abuse
When addressing co-occurring disorders, you must treat them both simultaneously. The kind of recovery that works will be centered on integrated treatment for addiction and mental health.
Integrated Treatment: The Key to Dual Diagnosis Recovery
Particular treatment emphasis on addiction and mental health integrate both issues for treatment at the same time, as separating one of them usually leads to a relapse just addressing either.
Many of these programs include dual diagnosis (treating both a mental disorder and addiction, almost always Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT) along with other forms of time-tested pharmacotherapy (Medication-Assisted Treatment or MAT). This is necessary for the patient to disintegrate in the whole of its approach, which is essential for ongoing success.
What to Expect in a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
A dual-diagnosis recovery program will usually include:
- Medical deoxidation (if applicable).
- Therapy & counseling (one on ones and groups).
- How medication management (to stabilize mental illness symptoms).
- Education and extra support for lifelong sobriety.
For the programs tailored around their unique needs and primary battlegrounds of battle where a collective group of experts (therapists, doctors, addiction specialists) will be working together.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Co-Occurring Disorders
Various therapies are known to treat co-occurring disorders well:
- CBT aims to identify and then modify the negative thoughts and behaviors linked to mental health problems, as well as substance abuse.
- Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is for learning emotional regulation and regulation skills.
- Motivational Interviewing increases motivation in the individual.
Therapies like this are critical for the reasons they are a part of co-occurring disorders treatment and can support managing symptoms of addiction and mental health.
Finding the Right Treatment Program for Dual Diagnosis
Choosing the right treatment program for dual diagnosis is essential to achieving long-term recovery.
How to Choose a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center
Locate a treatment center for dual diagnosis recovery programs that combines and integrates its treatment of addiction with mental health. This facility staffs professionals who have substance abuse and co-occurring mental health disorders management training/experience uniquely tailored to meet the patient’s individualized treatment needs.
The Importance of Personalized and Comprehensive Care
Personalized care services to address all aspects of the individual with dually diagnosed dual diagnosis. Therapies for optimal recovery prospects should include treatments, medication management, lifestyle changes, and family support.
Self-Help Strategies for Managing Dual Diagnosis
While professional treatment is key to recovery, self-help strategies can support healing.
Coping With the Challenges of Co-Occurring Disorders
For the management of persons with two or more co-occurring disorders to remain in control, learning how to cope with stress, cravings, and negativity is necessary for people who have two. Mindfulness, meditation, and breathing are used to relax, feel less anxious, and regulate emotions.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes to Support Recovery
A healthy lifestyle promotes good mental health and leads to recovery from substance use. The basics of a sound recovery are regular exercise, proper food intake, and sleep.
The Importance of Self-Awareness and Self-Care
While in recovery, you must practice self-awareness and self-care. Self-check, journal, and seek professional help if needed.
The Role of Group Support in Dual Diagnosis Recovery
Group support is vital for individuals in dual-diagnosis recovery programs.
How Peer Support and Group Therapy Can Help
Peer support and group therapy provide the setup to encourage inspirational regeneration from shared experiences and allow people to see others going through the same struggles.
Building a Support System for Long-term Recovery
It is critical to have a support system of family, friends, and other sober people for recovery to stick. Tell the people in recovery to rely on their network when they find themselves in the throes of a relapse.
FAQs
What are co-occurring disorders?
Co-occurring disorders refer to the simultaneous presence of both mental health disorders and substance abuse. These conditions often interact and worsen each other, making treatment more complex.
How can I tell if I have a dual diagnosis?
If you experience both substance abuse and symptoms of a mental health disorder, it’s essential to seek a professional assessment to confirm whether you have a dual diagnosis.
What is the best treatment for co-occurring disorders?
The best treatment involves integrated care that addresses both mental health and addiction simultaneously. This can include therapy, medication management, and support groups.
Can mental health disorders cause addiction?
Yes, people with mental health disorders may turn to substance abuse as a way to self-medicate or cope with their symptoms. This can lead to addiction and worsen mental health issues.
What should I look for in a dual-diagnosis treatment center?
Look for a treatment center that specializes in dual diagnosis recovery, offers integrated care, and provides a combination of therapy, medical support, and aftercare to address both mental health and substance abuse.
