In many people, mental health disorders can co-occur with substance use disorder. While there are many types of mental disorders, the most common include depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder. Other disorders include mood disorders, eating disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and behavioral disorders. Mental health disorders can range in severity depending on several factors. Sometimes it can be difficult to determine if a mental disorder caused a substance use disorder, or if the mental disorder was the result of drug use.
If someone comes to us for help and shows symptoms of both substance use and mental health disorders, we treat both simultaneously. In some situations, abstaining from alcohol or drug use can mitigate mental health issues. However, some substances can cause permanent damage, and treatment is necessary to help people cope with the symptoms of mental illness.
17.5 million Americans were diagnosed with a mental health disorder in the past year. Four million of those people also struggled with a co-occurring drug or alcohol dependency. If both conditions aren’t treated at the same time in a reputable addiction therapy program, those four million people likely face years or even decades of addiction.
Does Addiction Cause Mental Health Disorders?
While mental health disorders can increase the chance a person will use drugs or drink to excess, and substance use can increase a person’s risk of developing a mental illness, it doesn’t necessarily mean one causes the other.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Even though there is a high rate of comorbidity between addiction and mental illness, it does not mean that one caused the other—even if one condition appeared first. Instead, there are still a number of factors that need to be considered.”
Drug use can cause people to experience one or more symptoms of another mental illness. Mental disorders can lead to drug or alcohol abuse because some people use substances to self-medicate. Substance use may increase symptoms of mental illness. When people with mental disorders use drugs or drink, it can interact with medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and mood stabilizers making them less effective at managing their symptoms.
Symptoms of Common Co-Occurring Disorders
Research shows that depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder are the most common types of mental health problems associated with substance use disorder.
Symptoms of Depression
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Lack of interest in daily activities, including things you used to love to do
- An inability to experience pleasure
- Loss of appetite or weight gain
- Changes to sleep patterns
- Loss of energy
- Feelings of guilt or feeling worthless
- Problems concentrating
- Anger
- Physical pain
- Reckless behavior
Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders
- Panic and fear
- Feeling of uneasiness
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Changes to sleep patterns
- Feeling jittery
- Heart palpitations
- Cold, sweaty, numb, or tingling in hands or feet
- Tense muscles
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder consists of varied symptoms depending on whether the person is experiencing a manic episode or depression. Symptoms of bipolar mania include:
- Feeling overly happy or “high” for long periods of time
- Having a decreased need for sleep
- Talking very fast
- Racing thoughts
- Feeling extremely restless or impulsive
- Easily distracted
- Having overconfidence in abilities
- Engaging in risky behavior
How Co-Occurring Treatment Works
First, Medical Detox services are provided to cleanse all toxins from the person’s body. Next, an evaluation is performed to ensure that all current mental health symptoms have been discovered and properly diagnosed. All of the client’s symptoms and conditions are taken into consideration and a treatment plan is design to treat all disorders simultaneously. This individualized treatment plan integrates the most effective medical and clinical services and therapies to give the client the best chances of recovering from their addiction and co-occurring disorders.
While in treatment, clients will receive medication to treat their mental health symptoms as well as intensive therapy. A variety of therapeutic modalities will be integrated into their day to day treatment. These include:
- Group Therapy: In groups, clients will work with others who are struggling with similar issues. Groups provide a supportive environment where people can share their experiences and learn from one another.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is a type of therapy that helps people identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.
- Family Therapy: Family therapy sessions help to heal the relationships between the addict and their loved ones. In family therapy, families will learn how to communicate effectively and support one another through the recovery process.
- Expressive Therapy: Expressive therapies use art, music, and writing to help people express their emotions. These therapies can be helpful in processing trauma and discovering new parts of oneself.
Get Co-occurring Disorders Treatment in Ohio
Allowing addiction and mental issues to go untreated is dangerous. It can worsen the symptoms and make it harder to overcome them. That’s why at Midwest Detox Center, we provide co-occurring disorders treatment.
By treating both conditions at the same time, you increase your chances of long-term recovery. And our experienced, compassionate staff will be with you every step of the way.
If you’re struggling with addiction and have a co-occurring mental disorder, you might think treatment is out of reach. However, there are options available to you in Ohio.
An addiction specialist Is available to discuss treatment options that are right for you. Call Midwest Detox Center today at 833.647.0392 for the answers you need about treating co-occurring disorders.
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