The presence of a dual-diagnosis affects many people seeking addiction treatment. Without this diagnosis, it can be hard for individuals to understand their addictions. But what are co-occurring disorders? How does the existence of multiple conditions affect the process of treatment?
Understanding Substance Abuse and Addiction
Understanding Substance Abuse and AddictionBefore you begin to understand co-occurring disorders, you should have an accurate understanding of what substance abuse and addiction are. Substance abuse refers to the misuse of addictive substances in a way that negatively impacts the person’s life. Substance abuse can lead to an addiction. When addiction occurs, the person will experience unpleasant symptoms if they try to stop using the substance.
What are Co-occurring Disorders?
Many people entering a treatment facility for addiction will have a diagnosis involving co-occurring disorders. Most of the time, this refers to the presence of a mental health condition alongside the addiction. A dual-diagnosis of this nature can make both issues harder to manage. However, a complete recovery from both problems is possible with the help of creative treatment programs and tools.
Signs of a Problem with Addiction or Mental Illness
To determine the correct treatment plan for co-occurring disorders, you have to be aware of the problems themselves. Here are some signs to look out for:
Social Isolation
Those dealing with addiction may begin to spend a lot of time alone. However, this isolation can also occur as a result of depression or anxiety. In either case, the individual may also stop caring about hobbies that they once found joy in.
Increasing Depression or Anxiety
Of course, depression and anxiety are both common signs of a mental health condition. At the same time, these indications can also occur with addiction. The level of sadness and distress associated with a clinical diagnosis is severe and life-altering in many respects.
Personality Changes
A person dealing with either a mental health disorder or addiction can face serious personality changes. These shifts can include chronic mood swings, intense feelings of anger, or isolating episodes of crippling anxiety. These personality changes are often highly noticeable to others.
Effective Treatment Approaches
Addiction treatment therapy can include a lot of different programs and tools. Depending on your exact needs and goals, your treatment plan may consist of some of the following protocols:
- Medication – Medication is often a part of a successful treatment plan. Specific prescriptions can reduce the immediate effects of bothersome symptoms and allow a person to concentrate more fully on recovering from their issues.
- Behavioral Therapy – Various forms of behavioral therapy can help a person identify problematic thoughts that lead to self-destructive actions. By recognizing these thoughts, positive changes can lead to drastic overall improvements over time.
- Counseling – Psychotherapy in the form of personal or group counseling remains at the core of addiction and mental illness treatment. These counseling sessions allow a person to get to the bottom of important factors affecting their health and recovery.
Selecting a Rehabilitation Center
Choosing the right treatment center for you may be one of the most significant moves you make on the road to healing. It’s only natural to want help from a treatment center with an excellent reputation and access to the latest treatment techniques. By carefully asking questions and addressing any concerns, you can select a rehab center with an ease that will provide you with long-term success. You need a facility that offers addiction treatment programs that fit your needs.
Zelus Recovery is an addiction rehab center that excels in providing access to innovative healing approaches for young adults and adolescents. Serving the needs of the Meridian, Idaho area, Zelus Recovery can create a custom plan of care for each.
Don’t let co-occurring disorders keep you from living your best life. A quality treatment center can help you overcome this problem. Call 208.518.0797 to find out how Zelus Recovery can assist you today.
There was a time when therapists would treat co-occurring disorders separately. Medical professionals believed substance abuse took precedence over mental health challenges. However, experience and additional research show us this isn’t always a good idea. In fact, young adults who abuse drugs or alcohol should receive treatment for mental illness and addiction simultaneously. Fortunately, if you live in-state, co-occurring disorder treatment in Idaho is close by.
