Imagine having a mental illness, but you don’t know it. Now, envision this condition contributing to addiction–but you don’t realize that, either. For people struggling with co-occurring disorders, this is a daily reality. Within the rehab setting, it’s possible to address both the substance abuse and mental health disorder.
Which Came First?
It reminds of the question regarding the chicken or the egg. Which came first? With co-occurring disorders, typically the mental health condition comes first. It affects the likelihood of someone falling victim to addiction.
That said, it’s also possible for substance abuse to create a mental health challenge. Even if addiction doesn’t necessarily cause it, substances can create conditions that allow it to come to the forefront. What makes it so difficult for people dealing with the situation is the fact that it’s difficult to diagnose. It takes a seasoned therapist to recognize the complex symptoms that are the hallmarks of these conditions.
For example, if you have a mental illness, you may look to alcohol or opiates as a way to self-medicate. Dulling or quieting intrusive thoughts or feelings in this manner can make it seem as though you’re doing better. But in reality, your mental health condition gets worse. The vicious cycle completes when your dependence on drugs or alcohol intensifies as you try to get relief.
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders is Vital during Recovery
Recovery requires a whole person approach. It’s foolhardy to address a substance abuse problem but leave a dual diagnosis alone. In so doing, it sets up the client for a relapse in a relatively short time. While a mental health problem may not cause addiction, it certainly paves the way for it.
What are some of the co-occurring disorders clients typically struggle with? Examples include schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, to name a few. At Healing Springs Ranch, therapists work with clients to construct an individualized approach to healing that includes:
- Extended 90-day residential stays for maximum recovery support and in-depth treatment of co-occurring disorders
- Integrated addiction treatment model that offers a trauma therapy approach to clients in need of resolving past traumatic events
- One-on-one talk therapy that helps you to recognize negative thoughts, feelings, and behavioral patterns that affect your decision-making today
- 12 step program and other support groups that provide peer interactions to counteract self-imposed isolation and hone social skills
- The functional living wellness program that adds a holistic health approach to recovery
Some rehab centers don’t work with clients who present with a mental health condition. In part, they don’t have the staff members who can provide evidence-based psychiatric treatment. Others don’t have the resources needed to provide a program that meets your individualized needs. We, however, welcome you!
Not only do we have the expertise to work with co-occurring disorders, but we’ve also invested heavily in providing programs that address it. Our therapists firmly believe that helping you overcome a substance abuse problem requires a two-pronged approach. Failure to do so is unfair to you and your needs. As a result, we ensure that we have the right experts and modalities on hand to assist you with recovery.
Do You Need Help for a Substance Abuse Problem and a Mental Health Challenge?
Have you received a diagnosis for a mental health condition in the past? Maybe you’re feeling like there’s something going on with your emotions that seem out of the ordinary. You don’t need to have a formal diagnosis. Plenty of clients notice that they may have a condition that affects their ability to say no to drugs.
You might have mentioned something to your doctor, but the physician can’t help you with psychiatric concerns. A psychiatrist may help you with the mental health disorder but won’t address an addiction. Do you feel like you’re between a rock and a hard place? There’s help!
Don’t allow co-occurring disorders to keep you from getting the treatment you need. At Healing Springs Ranch, we routinely work with people just like you who need specialized care. Since we design each recovery protocol after performing an exhaustive intake interview, you know you get the care you need. Dial 866-656-8384 right now to end that mental disorder and addiction at the same time.