When you have a mix of mental health and substance abuse disorders, you could be said to be struggling with a dual diagnosis or with co-occurring disorders. This would require specialized treatment to manage all the conditions that you have been diagnosed with.
Also known as a dual diagnosis, the mix of mental health and substance abuse occurs quite often. If you have been diagnosed with addiction - or a substance use disorder - there is a high probability that you might also be suffering from a co-occurring behavioral or mental health disorder.
In such a situation, you would require a highly integrated treatment plan to address all the disorders that you have been living with. This treatment plan will deal with these disorders simultaneously because they are interconnected.
Through such a treatment program, you will be able to increase your chances of overcoming the disorders as well as successfully attaining the health and fulfilling lifestyle that you deserve.
It is easy to understand the mix of mental health and substance abuse. This is because these disorders often occur due to each other. If you have an undiagnosed mental health disorder, there is a high probability that you will start abusing drugs and drinking alcohol excessively. This is because you would be trying to self-medicate for the symptoms of your mental illness. However, this form of substance abuse will soon lead to the development of tolerance and dependence - later giving rise to the occurrence of addiction.
On the other hand, if you have been abusing intoxicating substances, they could affect how your brain works. Eventually, you will start displaying the signs and symptoms of mental illness. Over time, these symptoms could cause you to become mentally unhealthy.
Some of the common mental health issues that occur alongside substance abuse and addiction include:
If you have been diagnosed with a mix of mental health and substance abuse, it is highly likely that you will require highly specialized and integrated treatment. This way, you will receive a highly tailored plan of treatment to target all of the disorders at the same time - instead of a plan that will treat these conditions separately.
The best type of care would be offered in a safe and structured environment - such as inside an inpatient dual diagnosis treatment and rehabilitation facility. This will ensure that you receive round the clock medical care, supervision, and management.
After receiving a diagnosis, you will get the help that you need to manage the mix of mental health and substance abuse - in such a way that these disorders will not aggravate each other or reduce your chances of attaining full recovery over the long term.
Learning what treatment is best for you or your loved one is easy. Speak to one of our trained counselors and let them guide you to the best treatment options available for your specific needs.
