Holistic Treatment Programs for a More Fulfilling Life
Powerful Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs To Restore Your Mind, Body & Spirit
Struggling with a mental health condition or substance abuse disorder can feel suffocating. When you’re experiencing both, it can be almost unbearable.
But you were not born to feel this way. There is a better way to live.
At Absolute Awakenings, we believe in treating the whole person, physically, emotionally, psychologically, and spiritually. If you are struggling with co-occurring disorders, we’re here to help you recover from both so that you can live the life you were meant to.
What is a Co-Occurring Disorder?
Many individuals diagnosed with a substance use disorder also suffer from a co-occurring mental health condition. When these conditions occur together, it is known as dual diagnosis.
About half of individuals with a mental health disorder will also suffer from substance use disorder and vice versa. These conditions can exacerbate each other, and individuals often turn to alcohol or other drugs as a form of self-medication to find relief from symptoms.
However, alcohol and drug use can worsen the symptoms of mental health conditions and lead to addiction, resulting in the need for intervention.
An integrative treatment plan that addresses co-occurring addiction and mental health issues is crucial for individuals with a dual diagnosis.
Common Addiction and Mental Health Issues
Some of the most common mental disorders linked to substance abuse will include:
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Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder
Individuals with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are at risk for abusing drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. Individuals who are prescribed stimulants to treat their ADHD may find them habit-forming, which may lead to a toxic pattern of substance abuse.
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Bipolar Disorders
About half of individuals with bipolar disorder will struggle with substance abuse. Like any other mental health disorder, it can be extremely tempting to self medicate to soothe the symptoms.
Taking drugs and alcohol can provide a source of temporary relief from emotional situations and manic episodes for individuals with bipolar disorder, but can exacerbate symptoms in both the short and long term. Those using drugs to self-medicate during a manic episode often experience a mental health crisis that requires hospitalization.
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Borderline Personality Disorder
Study shows that drug addiction and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) will often occur simultaneously. More than 66% of individuals with BPD have turned towards substance abuse to cope with their symptoms.
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Depression
One in ten adults in the United States have reported suffering from depression. Many individuals diagnosed with depression will try to self medicate with alcohol or drugs. This will often make the problem much worse.
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Eating Disorders
An eating disorder will often stem from an intense feeling of inferiority or a lack of control over one’s life. Appetite suppressing drugs are most common amongst people with an eating disorder. These drugs can become habit-forming and overuse is sometimes fatal.
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Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) causes obsessions and compulsions such as irrational fear of contamination or checking (and rechecking) things like door locks or stovetops. Those suffering from this mental health condition may turn to drug abuse to manage uncomfortable symptoms.
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
When an individual develops Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD), the brain will produce fewer endorphins than a healthy mind, which makes them more likely to start using drugs and alcohol to feel “normal” again. The U.S. The Department of Veteran Affairs states that nearly 75% of soldiers and veterans experiencing a traumatic or violent event during combat are known for repetitive alcohol abuse and drug addiction.
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Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is characterized by delusions and hallucinations. When an individual has schizophrenia and is using drugs and alcohol as a way to self medicate their condition, they are at greater risk of putting their health in danger and often end up requiring both addiction treatment and mental health services.
Symptoms of Co-Occurring Disorders
Symptoms of co-occurring disorders can vary, depending on the mental health condition diagnosis.
For co-occurring disorders to exist, one or more must be present.
Some symptoms of substance abuse include:
- Risk-taking
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Using drugs or alcohol despite dangerous circumstances
- Developing a high tolerance and withdrawal symptoms when ceasing use of the substance
- The feeling of “needing” drugs or alcohol to function
- Cravings
Mental health condition symptoms will vary significantly. There are warning signs such as mood changes, problems concentrating, avoiding all social activities, and suicidal thoughts.
If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal ideations, do not wait to get help. Hospitalization may be necessary. Dial 911.
Causes of Co-Occurring Disorders
Several factors can agitate mental health or substance use disorder which includes:
Brain responses:
Substance abuse can cause symptoms that mimic mental illness symptoms. For example, using excess marijuana gives rise to psychosis in some individuals, which is a severe mental disorder that causes individuals to hallucinate.
Genetics:
An individual’s genetics can also make them more likely to develop a mental health disorder or addiction. Research shows that family genes make up to 60% of an individual’s susceptibility to addiction.
Environmental triggers:
A traumatic event, persistent anxiety, or chronic stress can kickstart a mental health disorder or a drug addiction.
Early exposure:
Individuals experimenting with alcohol or drugs at a young age may develop mental health disorders and a substance-abuse problem later on.
The Dangers of Self Medicating
A common issue surrounding a dual diagnosis is self-medication. Self-medication involves using alcohol and drugs to provide temporary relief from distressing symptoms of mental health conditions.
Abusing substances as a coping mechanism can develop into addiction, which will exacerbate the underlying psychiatric condition.
Resorting to substances like drugs or alcohol to escape mental health conditions can be a damaging decision. An individual struggling with a mental illness who is also abusing alcohol or drugs will often consume whatever it takes to achieve the relief they need.
Over time, the individual builds tolerance and begins to consume more drugs or alcohol each time to provide the same level of relief. This negative cycle results in co-occurring substance addiction, alcohol addiction, and mental health disorders.
Common attempts to self medicate for mental illness include:
- Taking excessive amounts of benzodiazepines to curb oncoming panic attacks
- Drinking alcohol to curb anxiousness and social situations
- Using cocaine to increase energy and motivation to fulfill daily tasks
- Using marijuana to curb emotional pain from grief or trauma
Which Comes First, Mental Illness or Addiction?
Some individuals will develop an addiction to alcohol or substances before they’ve been diagnosed with a mental disorder. Others will become addicted to alcohol or other substances after acquiring a mental health disorder diagnosis.
Regardless of which happens first, it is critical to find a treatment facility which will target both disorders simultaneously rather than separately.
Choosing the Rehab Program for Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When choosing a rehab center, it is vital to choose one that specializes in both substance use disorder and behavioral health. This will ensure the most effective care, along with the most significant potential of a healthy lifestyle.
An outpatient rehab facility for co-occurring disorders provides individualized treatment plans that are the most conducive to healing. Usually, individuals with co-occurring disorders will seek treatment in various states of distress and declining general health.
The combination of neglected mental health and substance abuse requires both mental health treatment and the expertise of an addiction treatment center.
At Absolute Awakenings, we believe that dual diagnosis treatment programs should treat the whole person. That’s why in addition to our behavioral health interventions, we offer adjunct evidence-based therapies such as yoga therapy, Muay Thai, Art Therapy, and other holistic-healing based modalities.
Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment vs Inpatient Dual Diagnosis Treatment
While both inpatient treatment and outpatient treatment can help you get your life back on track, there are key differences between the two.
Both outpatient and inpatient care incorporate several therapies, including cognitive behavior therapy(CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), family therapy, and group therapy, among others. With outpatient treatment, however, clients are able to return home or to a sober living facility between therapies, allowing them to attend to their responsibilities outside of recovery.
Your care team will determine the most appropriate level of care for you, depending on your physical and psychological needs. If it is more conducive to your healing or if being outside of a recovery environment puts you at risk, your care team may recommend residential treatment services.
There is a Better Way to Live. Get Help for Your Co-Occurring Disorders From a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center in New Jersey
If you or a loved one is showing signs of addiction and a co-occurring disorder, it is time to let our treatment specialists at Absolute Awakenings to help you through this process.
Seeking treatment for mental health disorders and substance abuse disorders simultaneously can be one of the most significant decisions you’ll make for your health.
We’re here with you every step of the way.
Choose wellness. Choose life. Choose YOU. Contact a member of our admissions team today and explore our holistic mental health and substance abuse treatment options.
Yes, You Can Get Your Life Back. Call Absolute Awakenings Today.
With our trained and compassionate professionals in your corner, freedom can be yours. All it takes is you choose yourself. Choosing a better tomorrow.
