Dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorder, refers to an individual simultaneously suffering from a substance use disorder and mental health disorder. People struggling with mental illness often turn to drugs or alcohol, seeking relief from their symptoms, leading to substance abuse or addiction. Alternatively, individuals with substance abuse or addiction can develop mental health disorders. Whichever the case, the chances for a successful recovery from either requires care from a dual diagnosis treatment center.
The team of professionals at Northpoint Ashwood understands the importance of dual diagnosis treatment. We provide comprehensive treatment for various substance abuse and mental health disorders. Contact us at 888.341.3607 to learn more about effective dual diagnosis treatment.
Signs You May Need a Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Program
On their own, mental health and substance use disorders are complex and can present treatment challenges. Together the complications worsen. Treatment focused on one condition or the other in the past, which often led to relapses. Today, we understand that co-occurring disorders need to be treated simultaneously for successful recovery.
While substance use disorders and mental health disorders often occur together, it can be challenging to determine which came first. Common risk factors contribute to genetics, stress, and trauma. Mental health disorders cause physical changes in the brain that make people more susceptible to substance abuse and vice versa.
Here are some common signs of mental health disorders:
- Feelings of hopelessness, excessive worry, or panic
- Lack of interest in daily life
- Significant changes in bodily appearance or sleep patterns
- Extreme mood swings or increased irritability
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
- Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
Some common signs of substance use disorders include:
- Inability to control substance use or consistently using more than intended
- Developing a tolerance
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Continuing to use despite negative consequences
- Failing to meet obligations and responsibilities because of use
- Having cravings
- Spending the majority of time getting, using, or recovering from substance use
It is estimated that about half of individuals with a mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder. Conversely, the same is true. Because different disorders have similar symptoms, and substance use disorders can mimic the symptoms of mental health disorders, a proper diagnosis is critical to effective treatment.
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders Simultaneously
It wasn’t until the 1990s that researchers realized the importance of treating co-occurring disorders simultaneously. Until that point, patients were sent to addiction treatment first and then treated for their mental health. Some facilities still provide treatment this way. In doing so, they fail to give their patients the type of help they truly need.
An integrated approach to treating substance use and mental health disorders is much more successful in patients who present with co-occurring disorders. Any other type of treatment is likely to lead to prolonged recoveries, chronic relapses, and problems coping throughout life.
The stigma of mental health issues prevents too many people from seeking the treatment they need and deserve. If you suffer from a mental health disorder, getting an accurate diagnosis will improve your odds of recovering from your addiction. Mental health disorders that frequently co-occur with substance use disorders include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Personality disorders
The current focus on mental health awareness is aimed at helping reduce the stigma of these disorders so that people will be more inclined to reach out for help.
Northpoint Ashwood is a Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment Center in Boise, Idaho
Are you suffering from a co-occurring disorder? It’s possible that you never really thought about the fact that your mental health condition and your addiction could be linked to each other, and it doesn’t help that no one has ever pointed that out to you before. Maybe you’ve spent years only treating your addiction because you’ve kept your mental health condition a secret, resulting in chronic relapse. We want to help you here at Ashwood Recovery, no matter what struggles you’re facing. We provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for co-occurring disorders utilizing evidence-based therapies, including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Motivational interviewing (MI)
- Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Trauma Resolution
Contact Northpoint Ashwood For Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment
Co-occurring disorders are common, but they do not have to control your life. Our dual diagnosis treatment program provides integrated treatment designed to stabilize mental health symptoms while providing the foundation for recovery from addiction. To learn more about dual diagnosis treatment and our many levels of care, reach out using our online form or call 888.341.3607 today. Recovery awaits.