It is not uncommon for people who have a mental health disorder to develop addiction. At the same time, it’s not uncommon for those with addiction to develop a mental health disorder like depression or anxiety. Since both are so common together, it’s essential for treatment to focus on both areas. This type of treatment is called dual diagnosis, and it can be life changing.
At America’s Rehab Campuses, we work closely with you to treat both conditions at the same time, providing you with a better opportunity to get healthy and remain strong for years to come.
Signs of Mental Health Disorders
How do you know you need help for mental health and addiction? A formal diagnosis is offered at the time of your arrival at our treatment center. The goal is to always understand what your needs are and whether mental health treatment is a core part of that treatment. However, you may wish to consider the symptoms you’ve had that may indicate you are struggling with mental health as well.
- Needing to use drugs or alcohol to get through a stressful day
- Feeling intense anxiety when you do not use
- Using drugs as a way to deal with past trauma or pain
- Needing to use drugs to function without feeling depressed
- Being unable to maintain relationships
You may have a mental health disorder such as anxiety or depression. Some people struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder, one of the most debilitating conditions that can lead to the use of drugs as a way to deal with the invasive thoughts that come with this type of care. Others struggle with bipolar disorder or personality disorders.
Signs of Addiction
It can be hard to know when you’re struggling with addiction and when what you are feeling is related just to your mental health disorder. Addiction occurs when you know there are negative consequences of continuing to use the substance, but you do so anyway, often feeling compelled to do so. In many situations, individuals use drugs to battle their mental health disorder symptoms, yet, addiction may form as a result of doing that. Some signs of addiction include:
- Thinking about your next opportunity to use all of the time
- Needing to use a substance to get through the day
- Feeling anxiety when not using
- Onset of withdrawal symptoms when not using
- Intense cravings when not using
If you are experiencing symptoms like these, it’s important to see treatment. Dual diagnosis treatment can provide a wide range of improvements for individuals, including aiding in reducing the onset of health problems.
How Can Dual Diagnosis Help You?
Dual diagnosis can provide an opportunity to improve not just addiction but also the underlying mental health disorder occurring. For many people, that includes treatment with medications and holistic methods to improve a person’s overall outcome.
Dual diagnosis often includes treatment for a mental health disorder as a first step. This may include the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy and other types of talk therapy. The goal is to help a person understand what is occurring and why. At the same time, treatment needs to address the onset of addiction and how to overcome those limitations.
Some individuals who have developed dependence may also need to detox. This helps break the cravings and withdrawal symptoms, allowing individuals to focus on their health and wellbeing.
A wide range of treatment options are a component of dual diagnosis. What’s more, individualized treatment is critical. Individuals need a treatment program that addresses their specific needs. Some types of treatment that may be a part of this type of therapy include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Medication-assisted therapy
A combination of treatments like this can give you a fresh start in recovery. If you believe you are struggling with mental health disorders and addiction, America’s Rehab Campuses are designed to help you. To learn more about our treatment programs, reach out to our team to schedule an assessment. Once completed, you’ll be on your way to long-term recovery from both components of your addiction. Contact us today to learn more about our treatment options in mental and behavioral healthcare.
