Addiction is often accompanied by mental disorders and physical health concerns. Thus, it is essential to treat these co-occurring disorders and uncover the root causes of addiction and mental health issues for a successful and lifelong recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, reach out to Lighthouse Recovery’s dual diagnosis treatment program for quality care.
Simply treating the physical symptoms of addiction isn’t enough. Otherwise, the person may suffer a relapse after completing detox. It is important to develop a solid and personalized treatment plan that addresses the signs of addiction and mental health issues in an integrated way. To learn more about co-occurring disorders and effective treatment options, call us at 866.308.2090.
Understanding Co-Occurring Disorders
Most people struggling with addiction also suffer from co-occurring disorders. In fact, the presence of co-occurring disorders might actually worsen the addiction. It can make it more difficult for a person to gather the courage and seek professional help.
What Are Co-Occurring Disorders?
In the context of addiction treatment, co-occurring disorders refer to the presence of other mental and physical health concerns alongside the primary substance use disorder.
For instance, someone struggling with depression, anxiety, and an alcohol use disorder would be deemed as suffering from addiction and co-occurring disorders.
Common Co-Occurring Disorders
The common co-occurring disorders include the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Eating disorder (ED)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain
- Insomnia
- Prescription drug addiction
- Schizophrenia
- Personality disorders
How Addiction and Mental Health Are Related
Addiction and mental health are interlinked in the following ways:
- A person struggling with an addiction may soon develop other mental health issues as a result of the changes in brain chemicals and circumstances.
- In other cases, a person with a history of depression and anxiety may turn to substance use as a negative coping mechanism.
- Often, a person may begin misusing the pills prescribed for anxiety or insomnia and develop a dependency or addiction to prescription drugs.
- Certain environmental and genetic risk factors may result in someone developing addiction and mental health issues simultaneously.
- Addiction can worsen one’s mental health and vice versa.
Treating Co-Occurring Disorders
Thus, the recommended treatment plan for addiction and mental health/co-occurring disorders is a quality dual diagnosis treatment program.
In dual diagnosis, the physical symptoms of addiction are treated with FDA-approved medication. The client also undergoes intensive therapy, counseling, and other holistic practices to tackle their mental health concerns. Thus, dual diagnosis pays close attention to the client’s physical health and emotional well-being at every step of the path.
Common evidence-based therapies used in dual diagnosis include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Trauma therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Group therapy
Dual diagnosis thus takes on a personalized attitude towards addiction treatment. The doctors and nurses work closely with the client and their family to develop an efficient recovery program.
Get Help for Addiction and Co-Occurring Disorders at Lighthouse Recovery Institute
At Lighthouse Recovery in Florida, we are committed to helping clients overcome their addiction and mental health issues, no matter how severe the condition. With the help of medication-assisted treatment, evidence-based therapies, and quality aftercare, we empower our clients to become resilient, develop healthier coping mechanisms and commit to lifelong sobriety.
From partial hospitalization to intensive outpatient care, we offer a variety of customizable programs and services based on the client’s unique needs, medical history, recovery goals, and budget. In particular, our 90-day treatment programs are exclusively designed to get your life back on track and help you reconnect with the community.
Addiction can make one feel isolated, but you are not alone. Help and hope are always available at Lighthouse Recovery. Call us at 866.308.2090 and embark on your healing journey today.
