Mental illness is a challenging problem for many people. It makes life complicated and results in coping issues for those who are afflicted. Not only does it bring stress to people’s lives, but it can also lead to substance abuse. As people attempt to cope with untreated mental illness, they sometimes turn to drugs or alcohol for comfort. When this occurs, it leads to a substance use disorder. A dual diagnosis consisting of a mental illness and substance use disorder are common. When dealing with a mental illness and substance abuse simultaneously, then it’s crucial to find group therapy at a quality rehab center so you can get on the pathway to healing. Let’s take a look at types of mental illness a bit closer.
Types Of Mental Illnesses
There are multiple mental illnesses that a person may have. Some arise from traumatic situations a person may go through in their lives, while others have a more genetic component. Mental illnesses may be classified in categories. The following are some common mental health disorders:
- Mood Disorders: Mood disorders affect your mood to the point that it results in mental illness. Some of the illnesses in this category are depression and bipolar disorder.
- Psychotic Disorders: The main type of psychotic disorder that people are probably familiar with is called schizophrenia. People with this condition may hallucinate. However, there is also a substance-induced psychotic disorder that results when someone goes through withdrawal from certain drugs.
- Anxiety Disorders: Anxiety disorders are one of the most common disorders in the United States. Some of the specific anxiety conditions include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders.
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: People who’ve gone through extreme trauma may suffer from PTSD. Even if the trauma happened years ago, this condition can still be triggered later.
Mental Illness and the Connection to Substance Abuse
It’s vital to treat all types of mental illness as soon as possible so that you can avoid the various risks that you may encounter. Therapy is an important part of getting well. Some people also need medication for healing. If you don’t get treatment for mental illness, it often leads to behaviors and actions that can be detrimental to your health.
Some people attempt to self-medicate by using drugs or alcohol. However, this leads to a substance use disorder and thereby compounding their issue. So, although the substance may make them feel better temporarily, it will harm them in the end.
Treatment for Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Therapy is a critical component for healing for those with mental health and substance abuse disorders. Through therapy, you will learn to feel better without the substances. You’ll gain the self-confidence and strength to live without drugs or alcohol, thereby breaking the cycle of addiction.
During therapy, you will learn strategies for overcoming addiction, staying clean, and dealing with difficult emotions.
You’ll participate in both individual and group therapy sessions so that you gain the most benefit. Group therapy offers a unique perspective you won’t gain in the individual sessions, so both are pertinent to recovery.
Introducing Fresh Start Recovery Center
At Fresh Start Recovery Center, our compassionate therapists are ready to assist you with your mental health and substance use disorders. No matter what your problem is, Fresh Start uses evidence-based techniques to help you get through.
Some of the treatment therapies we use includes:
- Family therapy program
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy program (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy program (DBT)
- Meditation therapy
- Holistic therapy
Don’t let mental health disorders and addiction interfere with your peace of mind. Now that you know more about the different types of mental illness, reach out to a qualified addiction rehab center for assistance. Contact Fresh Start Recovery Center at 833.625.0398, and we’ll walk beside you through it all.
