Addressing Mental Health During Addiction Recovery
Mental issues and substance abuse problems often go hand in hand. In fact, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, roughly 7.7 million American adults suffer from co-occurring mental health and addiction issues.
The mechanism that causes mental health and substance abuse problems to occur together is different for each individual. A mental health disorder may cause a person to self-medicate by seeking out the use of an addictive substance, whereas addiction itself can increase a person’s likelihood of developing a mental health disorder.
Because mental health issues and substance abuse problems can play off of one another, it’s incredibly important that people with co-occurring disorders seek treatment that addresses both of their underlying conditions. In other words, for people with co-occurring disorders, drug addiction recovery and mental health recovery should happen together. Otherwise, a successful recovery is less likely.
Mental Health and Addiction
As we’ve seen, it’s important that a person’s mental health and addiction issues be addressed in the recovery process. Depending on the nature of your addiction and the mental health disorders you’re struggling with, drug addiction recovery treatment options will vary. Some common co-occurring mental health disorders include:
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- Depression. Symptoms of depression include long periods of feeling despondent or experiencing crippling sadness.
- Anxiety. Anxiety is a mental health disorder that can be characterized by prolonged bouts of worrying, racing thoughts, and a sense of fear and uneasiness.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can lead to depression or anxiety, substance abuse disorders, and other debilitating behaviors.
- Bipolar disorder. People with bipolar disorder experience wide mood and behavioral shifts on a recurring basis, with low depressive states giving way to high-energy or manic states.
- Personality disorders. Specific personality disorders, such as narcissistic or borderline personality disorder, can greatly impact a person’s life and lead to problems with drug or alcohol addiction as a means of coping.
Dual Diagnosis
A dual diagnosis is when a person struggling with addiction also suffers from a mental health disorder. These co-occurring disorders often play a role in stimulating a person’s addiction to a given drug or alcohol. Some common co-occurring disorders include:
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- Clinical and major depression
Addiction is a disorder in which a person feels a strong urge to engage in behaviors, such as using drugs or alcohol, that are risky and endanger their health. Although addiction is most often associated with substance use disorders, other harmful behaviors are also classified as addictions and can require treatment if the individual is to recover.
Some common types of addiction are:
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- Nicotine addiction.
- Prescription drug addiction, including addiction to Valium, Xanax, and similar drugs.
- Alcohol addiction.
- Opioid addiction, including addiction to OxyContin, Vicodin, morphine, and similar drugs.
- Cocaine addiction.
- Gambling addiction.
- Internet, phone, or social media addiction.
- Shopping addiction.
Some common signs of addiction include an inability to quit a substance despite repeated attempts and having difficulty keeping up with work, family, and social responsibilities without using the substance, as well as experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to quit. If you’re experiencing some of the symptoms of addiction, it’s important to speak to a medical professional to pursue drug addiction recovery.
From there, treatment may include medication or behavioral therapies and counseling. Because mental health and addiction can often go together with a co-occurring mental health disorder, personalized treatment that addresses other mental health disorders is important, especially when it comes to mental health recovery.
How to Treat Mental Health Alongside
Substance Abuse
Rehab programs that focus solely on addiction while neglecting mental health rehab can lead to a relapse when the deeper issues driving a person’s addiction recur. At Beachway, we know that mental health issues are often found at the heart of drug and alcohol addiction. We aim to address the root causes of addiction through dual diagnosis treatment plans that simultaneously address mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more. These mental illness treatments can range from talk therapy to psychotherapy, led by a trained mental health professional at our treatment facility.
At the same time, personalized addiction treatment is critical for drug addiction recovery. Finding a treatment plan that takes into account the specific substance or substances driving your addiction to drugs will help improve your chances of a successful long term recovery. At Beachway, we offer a variety of substance-specific treatment plans, including:
Taking your mental health and substance use disorders into account, we create fully customized dual diagnosis treatment plans to meet the specific needs of the individual, combining traditional therapeutic modalities with a holistic wellness approach. Intensive treatment is paired with relaxing, healing therapies, including massage, chiropractic care, and other relaxation services, as well as such healthy activities as kayaking, yoga, art therapy, and more.
Learn More about
Dual Diagnosis at Beachway
Because mental health issues and addiction often form a vicious cycle, it’s incredibly important to address both during the recovery process, combining drug addiction recovery and mental health rehab. Depending on the nature of your addiction and the mental health disorders you’re struggling with, treatment options will vary.
It’s important to choose a treatment center experienced in handling dual diagnosis clients. Otherwise, the treatment may not be effective. At Beachway Therapy Center, our highly trained and experienced therapists are qualified to address the physical and mental symptoms of a dual diagnosis patient to facilitate a successful recovery plan. If you or a loved one is ready to begin their journey towards recovery, contact us today.