Half of those with a substance abuse disorder have a co-occurring mental health issue. The appeal of substances is associated with particular mental illnesses. This is because those abusing these substances are often seeking to balance the negative feelings they have as a result of a mental health condition. Unfortunately, drugs and alcohol can instead result in additional mental illness. This is, in part, because substances cause an imbalance in brain chemistry. These changes can speed up the problems associated with addiction.
If you’ve noticed a deterioration of your mental health associated with substance abuse, now is the time to seek out mental health and addiction therapy programs for assistance. Contact Fresh Start Recovery Center today at 833.625.0398 to learn more.
How Do You Treat a Dual Diagnosis?
When it’s determined an individual is battling a dual diagnosis, an integrated treatment plan is necessary in order to combat both issues simultaneously. Fresh Start Recovery Center offers many therapeutic options for those with a dual diagnosis. These include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which explores thoughts and beliefs to change their behaviors
- Dialectical behavior therapy reduces negative feelings and actions related to substance use, self-harm, and suicidal behavior
Types of Treatment Programs
Recovering from co-occurring disorders may require time spent in a rehab facility. The level of care depends on the severity of addiction and mental illness. Clients with a dual diagnosis are often not the best candidates for mediation-based treatments as there is an increased risk in the potential for substance abuse. Higher rates of co-occurring disorders are associated with:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety disorders
- Mood disorders
- Personality disorders
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
To determine whether you could benefit from treatment at Fresh Start Recovery Center, contact us today at 833.625.0398.
Common Signs of Mental Illness
The best way to determine whether you require dual diagnosis treatment is to determine whether you’re experiencing any of the common symptoms of mental illness. For instance, these symptoms may include:
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Loss of interest
- Sense of feeling afraid without a clear cause
- Increased irritability
- Changes in libido
- Inability to detect changes in your own mood and behaviors
- Difficulty focusing
- Increased isolation
- Lack of attention to personal hygiene
- Paranoia
- Increase in risky behaviors
- Increase in physical pain without evident cause
- Suicidal ideation or attempts
Common Signs of a Substance Abuse Disorder
The second factor of a dual diagnosis is that you’re also experiencing the signs of substance abuse. These symptoms include:
- Inability to decrease the use of a substance when desired
- Withdrawal symptoms
- Difficulty managing situations without using substances
- Trouble completing tasks without the use of substances
- Inability to cease use even though it is affecting relationships
- Frequent absence from work or personal responsibilities
- Using large quantities of a substance without appearing intoxicated to others
- Engaging in risky behaviors like driving under the influence
- Spending more time obtaining, using, or recovering from effects of substances
Develop a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Plan
Understanding the relationship between dual diagnosis mental health and substance use disorders goes well beyond treating issues separately. Developing a treatment plan that manages the risks associated with multiple health concerns requires careful planning under the supervision of a medical professional. Fresh Start Recovery Center can provide detailed information and options for treating a dual diagnosis. With this treatment, clients are more likely to remain engaged in treatment programs when care is integrated and comprehensive.
Seek Treatment at Fresh Start Recovery Center
If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from difficulties that result from co-occurring illnesses, then consider reaching out to a trained professional at Fresh Start Recovery Center for information about personalized treatment programs. Help is within reach. Contact Fresh Start Recovery Center using our secure online form or by phone at 833.625.0398 today.
