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What You Need to Know About Mental Health and Addiction

depressed woman leaning over in bed with Mental Health and Addiction disorders

Are you struggling with substance abuse and mental health-related conditions? If yes, then you’re likely battling drug or alcohol addiction while at the same time dealing with psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety or depression. For your well-being, it’s essential to learn how to deal with your mental health and addiction issues.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, the first step is attending a drug and alcohol detox center.

The Relationship Between Mental Health and Addiction

Dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders occur when an individual experiences mental health issues, such as depression, bipolar, or anxiety, and substance use disorders at the same time. It’s challenging to overcome both conditions without professional help from an inpatient detox center.

Co-occurring disorders have complex signs because an individual displays symptoms of substance abuse and mental health issues at the same time. Each condition’s unique traits impact an individual’s ordinary life by disrupting their ability to perform regular activities. The situation becomes more severe if co-occurring disorders start affecting one another.

If an individual battling a mental condition doesn’t seek treatment, the substance use disorders will deteriorate. The two conditions affect one another.

So, which problem comes first in dual diagnosis? There is a close link between substance use disorders and mental conditions, such as anxiety and depression. Individuals with substance abuse issues or mental health disorders are more likely to develop the other and vice versa. Both disorders deal with changed neurotransmitters and chemicals in the brain. Several scenarios are common when there is a dual diagnosis.

In most cases, individuals suffering from mental health disorders opt for alcohol and other drugs as a remedy for their conditions. Those suffering from addiction use substances to manage the symptoms of their mental health, but most of them end up aggravating the situation, leading to a vicious cycle. Once the effects of the substance subside, an individual will feel worse, which triggers another drinking episode and consequently leads to addiction.

All these patterns strengthen the relationship between your mental health disorder and addiction.

Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders

If you’re battling a substance use disorder, you’ll likely experience a variety of symptoms, including the following:

  • Trying to cut down on your substance abuse, but you’re unable to achieve it
  • Lying about your substance consumption habit
  • Always feeling ashamed or guilty of your substance use
  • Substance abuse has caused strains to your relationship and social life
  • You have trouble at your workplace because of substance use

The primary mental illnesses that co-occur with substance use disorders include anxiety, bipolar, and depression. The most common signs of such mental illnesses include:

  • Helplessness and hopelessness
  • Change in your sleeping patterns
  • Difficulty in breathing and heart palpitations
  • Difficulty in concentrating
  • Hallucinations and delusions
  • Easily irritable and feeling consistently on edge

Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders

The best way to deal with mental health and addiction issues is to seek treatment as early as possible. Seek the help of a certified drug and alcohol detox facility to help you manage your condition and enhance your recovery.

Starting treatment with detox, several programs will be helpful in your journey to recovery, including:

The treatment for co-occurring disorders involves a combination of medical detox and therapy at a partner facility. According to SAMHSA, the most efficient treatment method for dual co-occurring disorders is intervention through behavioral therapy.

A Final Word

If you suspect your loved one is experiencing co-occurring disorders, it’s advisable to seek prompt medical intervention. At Summit Detox, we’ll ensure that you’ll fully recover from problems related to your mental health and addiction. Contact us today at (888) 995-5265 to get started on your journey to a drug-free life.

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